:t 




Book _- 



Coipght^l^l 



CjOFffilGHT DEPOSIT. 



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"Dame Curtsey's" Book of Novel 
Entertainments 



"Dame Curtsey's" Book of Novel 

Entertainments for Every 

Day in the Year 



By 

Ellye Howell Glover 

"Dame Curtsey" 




Chicago 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 

1907 



Copyright ; • 

A. C. McClurg & Co. 
1907 

Published September 28, 1907 



UtoKASY of CONGRESS 
Iwo Oootes Received 

OCT ii»90r 

^Cooyne^t Entry 

0<±fO, /f* 

I CUSS /^ ^c., H( 



^ 






St)e l^aftesOsf ^r(00 

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY 
CHICAGO 



Note 

THE art of entertaining has become a science and a pro- 
fession; and the demand for something new is incessant, 
for the observance of special days in the year's calendar 
is becoming more and more popular. Our neighbors across 
the sea have always been lavish with holidays, but it is only of 
comparatively recent date that we have allowed ourselves the 
luxiuy of these oases in the desert of our workaday world. 

This book has been compiled to assist the many busy 
women who have the inclination to entertain friends and to 
make home happy for their families, but who have little spare 
time to devote to details. All the amusements described in it 
are tried and true ; and the compiler hopes it will supply a long- 
felt want on the bookshelves of our hostesses all over the land. 
Acknowledgment is due to ''The Chicago Record-Herald" 
and the International Press Bureau for the privilege of reprint- 
ing this matter, and to "The Chicago Record-Herald" for 
many of the illustrations. 
Chicago, July i, 1907. E. H. G. 



Contents 



Page 



CHAPTER I.— JANUARY . 

New Year's Day .... 

A Party for New Year's Day 

A Conclave of Historical Events 

A New Year's Dinner . 

A Luncheon for New Year's Day. 

A ''Time" Dinner .... 

A Twelfth Night Party 

Twelfth Night Cakes . 

The Wassail Bowl for Twelfth Night 

Decorations for a Twelfth Night Table 

CHAPTER n.-— FEBRUARY 



Candlemas ....... 

A Dickens Party ...... 

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday . 

St. Valentine's Day ..... 

A Valentine Party for Children . 

A Pretty Valentine Party .... 

A Valentine Thimble Party .... 

A Valentine Dinner Party .... 

A Social for Valentine Night 
A Valentine Pantomime Party 
Valentine Grace Hoops .... 

For a Washington's Birthday Party Invitation 
For Washington's Birthday .... 

A Luncheon for February the Twenty-Second 
A Colonial Reception ..... 

A Washington Dinner Party. 

A Children's Party for the Twenty-Second 

A Yankee Doodle Kitchen .... 

An Evening with Longfellow 



CHAPTER III.— MARCH . 

In Honor of St. Patrick 

A St. Patrick's Day Dinner . 

St. Patrick's Day in the Evening 



vu 



Contents 



A Party for Children on St. Patrick's Day . . 32 
Lenten Pastimes ........ 34 

A Lenten Party for Elderly Ladies . . . -34 

A Lenten *'Kaffee-klatsch^' 35 

Poverty Luncheons and Card Parties . . . .36 

Charity Luncheons . 36 

Mothering Sunday . . . . . -37 

CHAPTER IV.— APRIL . " 39 ^ 

An April Fool Party . 39 \. 

Two April Fool Games ....... 40 

Place Cards for April the First 41 

An April Luncheon 41 

A Rainbow Party . 41 

In Shakespeare's Honor 42 

Easter 44 

An Easter Luncheon ....... 46 

An Easter Party for Children 48 

A Floral Card Party for Easter Monday . . .48 

A Butterfly Luncheon ....... 49 

An Easter Dinner . 51 

An Easter Egg Hunt 52 

CHAPTER v.— MAY 54 

A May-Day Luncheon . 54 

A Dinner for May Day ...... 55 

A F£te on May Day for Children . . . -56 
A May-Day House Picnic 58 

CHAPTER VL— JUNE 60 

A June Party 60 

An Informal Luncheon ....... 61 

How TO Give a Correct Luncheon . . . .62 

A Luncheon for the Girl Graduate . . . .63 

A Flag Party 63 

A Rose Luncheon . 64 

A June Dinner 65 

A Farewell Party 66 

A Steamer Letter Shower ...... 67 

Two Clever Bon Voyage Gifts 68 

A June Luncheon 69 

A Novel Travel Party 69 

CHAPTER Vll.— JULY 71 

A Fourth of July Tea 71 

viii 



Contents 



Hints for the Fourth 72 

A Patriotic Party 73 

A Fourth of July Lawn Party 75 

A United States Party . . - 77 

A Fourth of July Masquerade 77 

A Summer Christmas Party 78 

CHAPTER Vin.— AUGUST 80 

An Arctic Luncheon 80 

An Angler's Supper 81 

An English Garden Party 82 

A Unique Luncheon 84 

An August Luncheon 84 

A Sand Party 85 

CHAPTER IX.— SEPTEMBER 87 

A Labor-Day Party 87 

An Indian Dinner 88 

A Maizepop Party 88 

A New England Breakfast ...... 89 

Decorations for an Autumn Dinner Table . . .90 
An Indian Luncheon 90 

CHAPTER X.~ OCTOBER 93 

A Nut Party ......... 93 

A Harvest-Home Frolic 93 

A Hallowe'en Party . 94 

A Hallowe'en Brownie Party 96 

Hallowe'en Charms 96 

The Egg Fortune 97 

The Yarn Test . 97 

Telling Fortunes 98 

A Hallowe'en Frolic . 98 

A Hallowe'en Masquerade icx) 

Suggestions for the Hallowe'en Table . . .100 
A Luncheon Menu for Hallowe'en . . . -103 
A Hallowe'en Dinner . . . . . . .103 

Your Fortune in Each Month . . . . .104 

A Hallowe'en Luncheon . . . . . .105 

Description of Centrepiece for Hallowe'en . .106 

CHAPTER XL— NOVEMBER 107 

A Novel Thanksgiving Day ...... 107 

A Thanksgiving Day Reception . . . . .108 

A Thanksgiving Dinner as Served Sixty Years Ago . 109 

ix 



Contents 



A Thanksgiving Dinner 109 

A Football Dinner no 

A Corn Party iii 

A Topaz Birthday Party 112 

A Chrysanthemum Tea Party 112 

CHAPTER XII.— DECEMBER 114 

Christmas Preparations 114 

A Baby's Christmas Tree . . . , . .114 
Christmas Table Decorations . . . ^. .115 
The Holiday Post Card . . . . '. .116 

A Mistletoe Luncheon 116 

The Christmas Barrel 118 

A Novel Christmas Box Party 118 

Novel Ways to Give Money 119 

Out of the Christmas Jar 120 

Christmas Invitations . . . . . . ,122 

A Christmas Party ....... 122 

A Christmas Express and Post Office . . . .124 

A Holly and Mistletoe Game 124 

A Snowball Christmas . 126 

Decorations for the Christmas Tree . . . .126 
Christmas Presents on a Clothes Line . . .127 
The Origin of the Christmas Stocking . . .127 
A Jack Frost Party . . . . . . .128 

A New Year's Eve Wish Tree 129 

A Party for New Year's Eve . . . . .129 

CHAPTER XIII.— MISCELLANEOUS ENTERTAINMENTS 

FOR OLD AND YOUNG 131 

A Button Party ........ 131 

A Curio Exhibit ........ 132 

A Book-Title Story ....... 132 

A Souvenir Post Card Party 136 

A Fad Party 137 

A Spool Party 138 

An Adjective Game . . v . . . . 139 

A Fudge Party 139 

Menagerie ......... 140 

An Evening on Mount Olympus . . . . .140 

The King of Hunky-Bunky 142 

A Bonnet Party ........ 142 

Three Games which are Much in Favor with Young 
People in France ....... 143 

For Elderly Ladies 143 



Contents 



A Calico Party 144 

A Pie Party 146 

A Cake Party 146 

An Old-Fashioned Party 147 

A Zoological Party 147 

A Paper Doll Party 148 

A Poverty Party 149 

A Lottery Bag ........ 150 

A *'Pi'' Party 150 

A Pink Bal PouDRi: 151 

A Surprise Party 151 

Fun with Soap Bubbles 151 

The Bird Sellers, A Game for Children . . .152 

A Peanut Party 153 

A Quaker Tea Party 153 

A Chinese Party . . . . . . . . i54 

A Hen Party 154 

What We Do Not Know 155 

"At Homes'' for Children 155 

A Lawn Party .,...,.. 156 

A Retrospect Party 157 

a house-w arming 1 58 

Children's Parties . . . . . . '159 

A Doll Party ........ i6o 

A Stork Party ........ i6o 

A Christening Party 162 

Games for Children . . . . . . .163 

An Anecdote Tea Party . . . . . .164 

A Hunt for Deer ........ 164 

Progressive Candy Jackstraws 166 

For an Artist Luncheon 166 

Chafing-Dish Suppers 167 

A Cinderella Tea 167 

A Harvard Spread 168 

A Princeton Smoker 168 

A Superstition Party . . . . . . .169 

CHAPTER XIV.— BIRTHDAY PARTIES — Suggestions for 

Luncheons, Dinners, and Teas . . . .170 

A Rhyme Luncheon 170 

A Cooperative Dinner 171 

A Coiffure Dinner . . ... . . 171 

A Dutch Supper 172 

A Twelve o' Clock Breakfast 172 

A Mother Goose Luncheon 174 

xi 



Content 



s 



Novel Place Cards 

A Chocolateier 

Stein Suppers 

A College Smoker 

Five o' Clock Teas 

A New Dainty 

Birthday Parties . 

A Birthday Custom 

A Child's Birthday Party 

A Party for a Three- Year-Old 

A Mother Goose Party 

A Baby's Birthday Party 

A Mother's Fortieth Birthday 

Ways to Choose Partners 

To Find Places by Fads 

A Reunion Luncheon 

Clipped Favors 

A Progressive Breakfast 

A Literary Luncheon . 

After-Dinner Tricks 

Your Fortune in a Teacup . 

CHAPTER XV.— ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHURCH AND 
CLUB — Japanese Affairs ..... 

An International Tea 

For Sweet Charity 

A Daisy Fortune Booth 

A German Booth 

A Measuring Party 

A Grab Garden 

A States Dinner 

An Idea for A Missionary Society .... 

A Camp-Fire 

A Girls' Club . . . . - . 

A Church or Club Entertainment .... 

An Evening in Holland 

• The Seven Ages of Woman ...... 

A Candy Booth 

A Japanese Dinner 

A Japanese Lawn Party 

A Japanese Entertainment 

A Penny Social ........ 

A Bandanna Sale ........ 

A Seven-Cent Luncheon or Supper .... 



174 
175 
175 
176 
176 
177 
178 
180 
181 
181 
182 

183 

184 

184^^ 

187 

187 

188 

188 

190 

190 

191 



192 
192 
192 

193 
194 
194 

195 
195 
196 
196 

197 . ' 

198 K 
199 
199 
200 
200 
201 
202 
203 
204 
205 , 
205 / 



/ 



xu 



Contents 



A Mandarin Tea 206 

A Colonial Tea . 207 

CHAPTER XVI.— ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS, 
SHOWERS, WEDDINGS, WEDDING ANNIVER- 
SARIES 208 

The Bride's Household Linen . . . . .208 
Suggestions for Engagement Announcements . . 208 

A Story Announcement .210 

A Musical Announcement 211 

A Unique Method 212 

An Engagement Luncheon .212 

Bridal Showers 214 

Two Bridal Showers 215 

A China Shower 216 

A Sachet Shower . 216 

A Handkerchief Shower 217 

An Apron Shower . 217 

Two Linen Showers 218 

A Recipe Shower 219 

A Miscellaneous Shower ,220 

A Pre-Nuptial Luncheon 220 

An Afternoon Tea for a Bride Elect . . . .221 
A Silhouette Party for the Bride Elect . . .222 

Pertaining to Weddings: 
Wedding-Day Omens ....... 222 

Rice at Weddings 226 

The Custom of Orange Blossoms 226 

A Candlelight Wedding 227 

A Bridal Breakfast .227 

Wedding Anniversaries 228 

The Cotton Wedding 228 

The Paper Wedding 229 

The Leather Wedding 230 

Wooden Wedding Suggestions 231 

The Woolen Wedding 231 

The Tin Wedding 232 

The Linen Wedding 2^^ 

The Crystal Wedding 234 

The China Wedding 235 

The Silver Wedding 235 

The Golden Wedding 237 

CHAPTER XVII.— TOASTS AND SENTIMENTS FOR ALL 

OCCASIONS 238 

xiii 



Illustrations 



PAGE 

A Rose Dinner Table for Six .... Frontispiece 
Decorations which may be Easily Arranged : A Strawberry 

Centrepiece; For the Easter Table . . . .18 

Easter Suggestions 34 

Examples OF Correct Service : A Dainty Tea Table; A Place 

Set for Dinner ........ 40 

An Easter Punch Bowl ....... 44 

Place Card Suggestion : For an Easter Children's Party . 47 
Place Card Suggestions: For a Good Luck Party; For an 

Easter Luncheon . . . . . . . -50 

Place Card Suggestions: For a Rose Luncheon; Fleur de 

Lis Design 57 

A June Table 64 

Ways to Serve Sherbet, Ice Cream, or Charlotte Russe . 76 
Place Card Suggestion : For April First or a Camp Supper . 83 
Fruit Centrepiece, Fall Luncheon . . . . .88 
Place Card Suggestions: For an Autumn Luncheon; For a 

Clover Tea . • 91 

Centrepiece for a Hallowe'en Party 94 

Centrepiece for a November Luncheon . . . .98 
Place Card Suggestion: For Hallowe'en .... loi 
Effective Decorations: A Fruit Centrepiece; A Daisy 

Table 104 

A Thanksgiving Supper Table . . . . . .112 

Place Card Suggestions: For Christmas; For a *' Dutch" 

Affair . . . . . . . . . -117 

Place Card Suggestion : For A Christmas Party . . .125 
Dainty Accessories: Candle Shade for a Rose Table; The 

Drawing-Room Coffee 138 

XV 



Illustrations 



Place Card Suggestion: For Hallowe'en or an Old Maids' 

Party 145 

Designed to Transform a Room: A Rose Screen for the 

Dining-Room; An Effective Wall Decoration . . 154 
Place Card Suggestions: For a Good Luck Party . .165 

The Chafing-Dish Equipment 166 ^ 

Place Card Suggestion : For A Dutch Supper . . .173 
Attractive Ways to Serve Sherbet: A Rose Sherbet Glass; 

A Crepe Paper Sherbet Cup i82. 

Correct Costume for Maids 194 

A Japanese Tea 200 

A Japanese Costume 202 

Place Card Suggestion: For a Wedding Breakfast or a 

Christmas Affair 209 

Place Card Suggestions: For a Pre-Nuptial Luncheon; For 

Hallowe'en ......... 213 

Two Examples of Effective Decoration : Strawberries with 

Powdered Sugar; Grape Fruit with Strawberries , 226 - 



XVI 



Novel Entertainments for Every 
Day in the Year 



CHAPTER L- JANUARY 

New Year's Day 

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, 
The flying cloud, the frosty light, 
The year is dying in the night; 
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. 

THAT dear old philosopher Charles Lamb says, ^' Of all 
sounds, the most solemn and touching is the peal which 
rings out the old year." This is true, but as joy and 
sorrow are on very intimate terms in this world, the last day of 
the year and the first day have always been favorite times to 
entertain. 

On the Continent and in England and Scotland, New 
Year's Day is one of great celebration; gifts are exchanged, 
and balls and receptions are in progress. 

Very slowly the custom of receiving calls is being revived 
in this country. Men, when they become of a certain, or, 
rather, uncertain age, dislike to make calls at night, especially 
in a city of tremendous distances, and it is pleasing to have one 
day in the year when, there being no grind of business, they 
can make the ^^duty" calls, and thus clear the conscience. 

In a very old Scotch cookbook there are no less than seven- 
teen recipes for cakes to be served on the first day of the year ; 
what we would call pies were in great favor ; they were tri- 
angular pieces of crust filled with mince-meat. 

An orange filled with cloves was a much-favored gift with 
the young folk in the land of Burns. It signified hidden 



Novel Entertainments ,for 

wealth, and often contained a present; that is, if the orange 
was artificial. At any rate, it always conveyed some particu- 
larly sweet or sacred message. 

In this country, rich fruit cake is usually served with French 
coflfee. No matter what the custom of the family may be, 
wines or liquors of any kind should not be served to New 
Year's callers. Imagine the condition of a visitor who pays 
twenty or thirty visits in rapid succession and partakes even of 
a small quantity at each place. This is a point upon which 
all hostesses should agree for at least one day in the year. 
There are many attractive beverages and many dainty things to 
serve, but only viands of the lightest character should be the 
rule. 

A Party for New Year's Day 

This charming party, to be given on the first day of the 
year, is called the ^^ Carnival of the Year's Festival Days." 
The hostess represents the New Year. She is gowned in 
white, with tiny artificial rosebuds for trimming, and is 
assisted by four intimate friends, who are costumed to repre- 
sent the Four Seasons. Twelve guests are asked to come as 
the Months, the name of the month allotted to each being desig- 
nated in the invitation. Then there are these special guests: 
'^Twelfth Night," ^^St. Valentine," ^^Washington's Birthday," 
^^St. Patrick's Day," ^^All Fools' Day," ^^May Day," ^^uly 
Fourth," ^^ Labor Day," '^ Hallowe'en," '^Thanksgiving Day," 
and 'Xhristmas." In addition to these may be the birthdays 
of Lincoln, Dickens, and Longfellow. *' Easter" and ^'Mem- 
orial Day" may be added if desired. 

The costumes for these characters readily suggest them- 
selves, so details are not given. Eggnog, fruit cake, and all 
sorts of good things suitable to the winter season figure in the 
refreshments. After a grand march, passing before a person- 
age dressed as '* Old Father Time," a prize may be awarded to 
the one best representing his or her character. A calendar or 
leather-bound diary is appropriate. 



Every Day in the Year 



A Conclave of Historical Events 

The invitations said, ^^ Please wear a card decorated in such 
a way that some great historical event will be portrayed." 
The date of the party was January first. At the hour ap- 
pointed the hostess received her guests attired in a costume 
representing ^^The Earth," while the host caused much 
merriment as ^'The Sun, Moon, and Stars." Pencils and 
cards were provided, with the request that the age and "event" 
of each one be guessed ; the prizes were a small gilt clock and a 
very readable volume, "Eighteen Christian Centuries." The 
places were indicated at the table by dainty blotters of scarlet, 
tied with green ribbon, and on each of the twelve blotters a 
month from a penny calendar was pasted. The name and 
date were done in gold ink, and the guests were delighted with 
these useful but inexpensive souvenirs of a most delightful 
evening. This suggestive verse was on the top of the blotter : 

Days of busy, busy hours, 
Days of idling among flowers, 
Days of joys and days of sorrows, 
Dark to-days and bright to-morrows; 
Days of health and days of weakness, 
All make up the year's completeness. 

A New Year's Dinner 

Set the table for twelve guests; for the centrepiece have a 
small tree called a ' Vish tree." Make little oranges of cotton 
and crepe paper, concealing in each one an appropriate quo- 
tation and a good wish. From each orange run a ribbon to 
each place, where it is attached to a bell-shaped candy box on 
which the name of the guest is inscribed. Twelve candles are 
placed around the tree; each guest is to blow out one at the 
close of the repast, giving at the same time a toast to the New 
Year. Over the table suspend bells of different sizes ; they 
may be made of wire and covered with vines and flowers, or 
with crepe paper. 

3 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Luncheon for New Year's Day 

The centrepiece was a low glass bowl filled with white 
rosebuds, the candles and shades were of white, as befitting 
an affair for the first day of January, a day spotless and new 
with the freshness that comes only when Old Father Time 
turns the wheel of fate back for a new start in the game of life. 

The place cards were most novel, each representing a month ; 
January was cut in the form of an hour glass ; a cocked hat 
with a row of hearts around the crown represented February; 
a kite for March, with a picture of St. Patrick and a snake; 
a bird on the branch of a tree, with rain falling, for April ; a 
tulip-shaped card for May; June was a butterfly with the 
words, ^^And what is so rare as a day in June?" an American 
flag with a row of fire-crackers proclaimed July ; an apple tree 
full of red apples was August ; while a card ornamented with a 
bunch of grapes and a group of children showed that September 
had come; the pumpkin Jack o'Lantern represented October; 
a fat turkey gobbler standing on a piece of pie was November; 
and a star with holly portrayed December. On the back of 
each card was written, ^^What is the happiest thing you remem- 
ber in the past year ? " 

A "Time" Dinner 

This scheme is seasonable during the early part of January. 
For the table centrepiece suspend a circle of green or red from 
the chandelier by broad ribbons or cords wound with smilax ; 
the circle is the symbol of eternity. Then from this hoop hang 
toy watches, one for each guest. For place cards use small hour 
glasses, with a card decorated with a picture of Father Time 
and the baby New Year bearing the name and date and a 
pretty quotation. Have the bonbon boxes square, with a 
calendar pasted on the cover. Make a bell-shaped booklet, 
then write with red ink the following resolutions, leaving one 
page blank, on which the guest is to write a set of original reso- 
lutions to be read aloud. 



Every Day in the Year 

"I will be what I wish to be thought.'' 

"I will live closer to my ideals." 

''My best self shall rule." 

''Where I pluck out a fault I will try to plant a virtue." 

"I will look at life through rose-colored spectacles." 

"I will welcome all bits of happiness by the way." 

A Twelfth Night Party 

The sixth day of January is Twelfth Night, or Old Christ- 
mas, and offers opportunities for a most unique entertainment. 
In England and on the Continent this used to be the time chosen 
for elaborate masked balls and parties. A ring was concealed 
in an immense cake, and the guest obtaining it was made 
"king" or "queen." It is a matter of history that Mary, 
Queen of Scots, honored her maid Mary Seaton, by robing her 
in her own royal apparel to be the " Queen of Twelfth Night." 

Tradition says that on this day every vestige of Christmas 
green must be taken down and burned. This is a peace offer- 
ing to evil spirits, and assures good luck to the household. 

Invitations to a Twelfth Night party afford an opportunity 
for the pen-and-ink artist to show her skill. A bonfire piled 
high with holly wreaths, or a cake with a ring suspended over 
it, is a suitable decoration. If there is no open fireplace for the 
burning of the greens, there may be a back yard, where the 
decorations may be offered with due ceremony. 

Half the fun is to permit the guests to take down the greens 
from pictures and windows, even to stripping the tree of its orna- 
ments and then of its branches. The crackling fire and the 
glowing coals offer a fine chance to toast marshmallows ; so 
provide a number of pointed sticks for this purpose. As each 
guest casts on his armful of greens, he must offer an invocation 
to propitiate the Fates, who are hovering near. 

A chafing-dish supper, or an oyster roast, with coffee or 
cider and cake, are the most appropriate refreshments for a 
party of this kind. 

•5 



Novel Entertainments for 

Twelfth Night Cakes 

Cakes are to Twelfth Night what the tree is to Christmas. 
In London, on the night before this festival, there are always 
crowds before the bakery shop windows to see the wonderful 
examples of cakes both great and small; these are ornamented 
with mechanical toys, live birds, and all sorts of grotesque 
decorations. 

With this in mind, an up-to-date hostess might celebrate 
the Twelfth Night season by giving a Cake Party, such as is 
described on page 146. 

The Wassail Bowl for Twelfth Night 

In European countries the sixth of January was sometimes 
called Wassail Eve, and the wassail bowl was always prominent 
in the revels of those olden days. It should be served with 
Scotch shortbread, which may be purchased from the baker, 
oatmeal cakes, and old-fashioned jumbles with rings or holes 
in the middle. 

Here is the correct recipe for wassail. To each quart of 
new cider put a saltspoonful of ground nutmeg, six of allspice, 
and two of cloves, taking care to see that the spices are freshly 
ground; then add two sticks of cinnamon, the juice of two 
oranges and one lemon, half a cup of granulated sugar. Bake 
two sour apples which have been cut in rounds, and then into 
quarters, until soft but not out of shape, in well-buttered enamel 
pans. Place them in the punch bow4, pour the boiling spiced 
cider over, and serve. In ancient times each person took a 
piece of apple from the bowl, then placed the receptacle to his 
lips and drank to the health of the assembled company. 

Decorations for a Twelfth Night Table 

This decorative scheme was carried out in England, and is 
easily adaptable by any hostess who can imagine how things 
will look and then carry out the idea. The centrepiece was a 
court jester's cap made in sections of different colors, with bells 

6 



Every Day in the Year 

on the points. A circle of snapping-cracker paper caps sur- 
rounded it. At either end of the table there was a crimson 
cushion, on which rested gorgeous gilt crowns for the King and 
Queen. When the cake was passed, the guest who received 
the bean hidden in the cake, was the King; the pea designated 
the Queen, and the clove the Court Jester. The other guests 
appropriated the snapping caps, crowns were donned, and a 
merry time ensued. 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER IL- FEBRUARY 

Candlemas 

THE second month in the year is the delight of the hostess, 
for not only is the gay season at its height, but there are 
so many special days upon which she can build her 
entertainment schemes and offer novelties to her guests. Can- 
dlemas, on the second day, affords opportunities for unique 
decorations, and it is always a pleasure to enlighten one's 
friends upon the dehghtful significance of this ancient festival. 
If we go back far enough we find that all our holidays have a 
religious beginning, and Candlemas was celebrated with the 
same fervor as Christmas by our remote ancestors. It was the 
feast of the Purification of the Virgin, the candle being symbolic 
of the body of the Saviour. In the mediaeval period burning 
candles on the second of February was supposed to ward off 
the visits of evil spirits from the house for a year. 

The peasants in many portions of Europe believe firmly 
in the weather forecast made on this day. The Scotch people 
say: 

*'If Candlemas Day be fair and clear 
There '11 be twa winters in the year." 

The burning of candles on this day has for centuries been 
considered prophetic of the future by people given to supersti- 
tion; so, as the twentieth-century maiden loves mystery, she 
will doubtless welcome another day on which to pry into the 
unseen way, as the flames will divulge her fate on Candlemas. 
A luncheon or dinner is a delightful way to celebrate, with a 
congenial party of six or eight, ten at the outside. So much 
depends upon the guests, and the most enjoyable affairs are 
always small and informal. 

The table centrepiece should be of dainty white flowers, 
Roman hyacinths, lilies of the valley, carnations, or lilies; 

8 



Every Day in the Year 

white candles should be arranged around them in a circle 
(symbol of eternity), with an unshaded candle at each plate, 
the holders of glass. Maidenhair ferns, smilax, or asparagus 
vine arranged in delicate tracery over the tablecloth adds 
greatly to the fairy-like effect. Use white china, and the 
bonbons and cakes should show no color. The place cards 
may be done in water colors having a bunch of snowdrops and 
a lighted candle, in remembrance of the fact that a Franciscan 
friar said, *^I can light a taper to our Virgin Mother on the 
blowing of the white snowdrop, which opens its flowerets at the 
time of Candlemas." If this pure, wax-like blossom is obtain- 
able, use it by all means for this function. 

In Paris on the second day of February, the true Parisian 
celebrates by eating pancakes. The story is told of Madame 
Sarah Bernhardt, when a private car was her home while 
en tour in this country a season or two ago, that Candlemas Day 
came, and the cook was entirely unenlightened as to this very 
important adjunct to the breakfast menu. For a short time 
only did the great actress hesitate, then she sent for the cook, and 
it was amicably arranged that Madame Bernhardt should 
build her own pancakes on Candlemas Day. Any jelly or jam 
may be used. These may be served for dessert, or a vanilla 
ice cream frozen in the shape of candles, with blanched almonds 
for wicks, which are lighted just when sent to the table. Pass 
wax matches with which each guest will light the place candle. 
If a flame flickers without a visible draft, the weather will be 
windy; if the candle is slow to light, the weather will be rainy ; 
the first candle to go out foretells an unhappy marriage; the 
one to burn the longest signifies wedded bliss. Before the 
candles are entirely burned out let each one rise and walk three 
steps away, then see if the flame can be extinguished by one 
puff, for each puff adds one year's delay to a wedding. 

A Dickens Party 

On February the seventh, in the year 1812, our good friend 
Charles Dickens was born, so let us remember this beloved 

9 



Novel Entertainments for 

author by celebrating his birthday. Ask the guests to come in 
a costume representing a character from one of his books, or 
the title of one of them; if it is too much trouble to wear an 
entire costume, some article may be worn to indicate the 
subject. All will rejoice in the reunion of David Copperfield, 
Little Nell, Mrs. Gamp, and Mr. Micawber. 

For refreshments have things as English as possible. Use 
only candlelight, and place all the eatables on the table at once. 
There should be several cold joints, such as a leg of mutton, 
roast beef, and a cold fowl. Individual meat pies or chops 
would be appropriate; and do not forget orange marmalade 
with seed cakes, also rye bread, and ale served in tankards. 
As each guest arrives, take the name of the character; when 
all have assembled pass cards and pencils. Allow a half-hour 
for guessing the characters represented ; award a framed pho- 
tograph of Dickens for the first prize, and a copy of one of his 
books for the second. 

There is a charming new book called ^^ Stories from Dick- 
ens'' that is meant primarily for young readers, but it is thor- 
oughly enjoyable by any devotee of this matchless writer. 
Illustrated works of Dickens will give an idea how to dress the 
characters, also old English prints, which may be seen at a 
public library. Decorate with the British flag, use English 
china, Sheffield plate, and any pieces of pewter you may 
possess. An evening with Dickens is always enjoyable and 
such entertainments are especially good for church societies 
or clubs. There are many sketches from his writings suitable 
for reading aloud, and they may be illustrated by living pic- 
tures. All know of the ever-pleasing features of ^^Mrs. Jarley's 
Wax Works," which have been arranged for production. A 
masquerade for children could be given by asking each child 
to come in a Dickens child costume. 

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday 

In the hearts of American people, our first martyred Presi- 
dent holds a place second to none, though the Government was 

lO 



Every Day in the Year 

exceedingly tardy in making the day of his birth a national holi- 
day. It is certainly one of the red-letter days of the month, 
this twelfth of February, and deserves a characteristic celebra- 
tion. School children observe the day, but it is only recently 
that the hostess has recognized it as another day on which to 
add a spice of novelty and interest to her entertainments. In- 
vitations to a Lincoln party may carry the request to appear in 
the garb of i860; old fashion plates and histories of that 
period will afford ample designs for the costumes of both men 
and women. Extreme simplicity must be the keynote to all 
the preparations. No lace doilies, fancy shades, or super- 
fluous silver should adorn the table. A plain cloth, candles 
in brass or pewter holders, and the dinner served in three 
courses only, the guests doing their own passing as far as possi- 
ble, the host carving, and the hostess pouring the coffee. 

For the centrepiece make a log cabin, and surround it with 
a rail fence. Toy trees may be purchased to plant in the yard. 
The place cards may be held by little black china dolls, dressed 
in Turkey red or blue checked gingham pinafores. Each 
card should bear the name of the guest, the date, and the quo- 
tation, ^^With malice toward none, with charity for all." 
Cross the glorious Stars and Stripes over the table above the 
gas jet, and give each guest a little silk flag for button-hole or 
hair. (They come on wires especially for the hair.) Over 
the tablecloth lay chains made from black paper (kinder- 
garten method), a break in the links every so often significant 
of Slavery's broken shackles. 

Some of the guests might be asked to be prepared to relate 
Lincoln anecdotes, and it would be exceedingly interesting to 
have a programme of the songs of that day, including the old 
war songs which are so rarely heard these days outside of a 
Grand Army meeting. The music of the period of the War had 
much to do with the history of the country, and some day these 
old melodies will be classed where they belong, in a collection 
of ballads dear to the hearts of the people who lived during the 
Civil War. 

II 



Novel Entertainments for 



MENU 


FOR 


A 


LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY DINNER 


Bean soup 
Roast lamb 








Square soda crackers 

Green peas 


Turnips 


Baked potatoes 

Stewed potatoes 
Salt-rising bread and graham bread 
Cold slaw 


Boiled custard 






Coffee 


Pound cake 


Fruit 






Nuts 


Raisins 



While at the table read aloud ''Oh, Why Should the Spirit 
of Mortal be Proud ? '' which was the favorite poem of Abraham 
Lincoln. It is by William Knox, and may be found in the 
''Library of Poetry and Song," edited by William Cullen 
Bryant. 

St. Valentine's Day 

The origin of St. Valentine, like many of our festivals, seems 
to be veiled in obscurity. In Shakespeare's time the good old 
poet Drayton wrote: 

"Muse, bid the morn awake. 
Sad winter now declines, 
Each bird doth choose a mate, 
This day 's St. Valentine's.'* 

It is a saying from time immemorial that the birds choose 
their mates on the fourteenth of February. Be that as it may, 
the day has been one of love-making and the giving and receiv- 
ing of love tokens since the beginning of things. Good old 
St. Valentine w^as martyred in the third century, and there is 
nothing in his life to indicate why his natal day was selected for 
the fete day of the omnipresent little god Love, but such is the 
case, and it is a very good day to celebrate. 

An ancient custom observed on the eve of St. Valentine's 
was the dropping into a box of an equal number of names of 
either sex. Then every one drew out a name, which was sup- 
posed to be his or her valentine. This was considered to be 
an omen of felicity in love affairs, and foretold a wedding. 

12 



Every Day in the Year 

The following is the description of a pretty party for 
children to be given from four to six on the afternoon of 
Valentine's Day. The invitations were written on the backs 
of heart-shaped valentines enclosed in the regulation lace- 
paper envelopes so dear to childish hearts. When the guests 
had arrived there was a search for hidden candy hearts, which 
were found in all sorts of places, each child having a heart- 
shaped bag of silk in which to put the spoils. When time 
was called, each child counted the number of hearts, the boy 
having the most being crowned King, and the little girl with 
the most to her credit being the Queen. These two then chose 
the games to be played. At five the grand march was formed 
to go into the dining-room. 

The centrepiece was a large heart-shaped box, from which a 
ribbon led to each place, where it was fastened to a valentine 
of lace paper, gold Cupids, and blue forget-me-nots. The 
supper was simple, but dainty and wholesome. Chicken sand- 
wiches of white bread, brown-bread sandwiches with raisin 
filling, both cut heart-shape with a cookie-cutter; delicious 
cocoa with whipped cream ; an apple and nut salad, sprinkled 
over with red beet hearts cut with a vegetable-cutter, and a 
plain dressing with whipped cream stirred through it. Last 
of all, pink hearts of ice cream, small cakes iced in pink with 
a wee sugar Cupid on top. When the feast was over, the 
ribbons were pulled, and out came on each a heart-shaped box 
filled with little heart-shaped peppermints. 

This party is easily adaptable to grown people by substi- 
tuting heart puzzles for the heart hunt, and adding a pro- 
gramme of love ballads. 

If one does not wish the expense, or cannot obtain the 
individual heart-shaped moulds of ice cream, buy the ordinary 
brick cream, cut it in slices, and then cut each slice with a tin 
heart cookie-cutter ; the result will be all that is desired. 

At the shops candy Cupids may be obtained, also gilt 
arrows and many accessories for the table, appropriate to the 
day. 

13 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Valentine Party for Children 

Have a letter box in the hall and provide plenty of lace- 
paper envelopes. On the invitations, which are decorated 
with gilt hearts, write this verse : 

Cupid will distribute letters 

On St. Valentine's night; 
Love has bound you in his fetters, 

Come and loose the seal that night. 

It might be interesting to tell the young guests that a lady 
in Massachusetts introduced the valentine into America in 
1850. Her business attained enormous proportions, and now 
the making of valentines gives employment to many people. 
Previous to this time we had depended upon Germany for our 
supply of these dainty trifles. 

For amusement have a supply of bits of colored and lace 
papers, water colors, pictures, and all sorts of material from 
which to construct valentines. After the guests have been 
paired by means of duplicate candy hearts, place them at tables 
provided with library paste, scissors, and gilt paint. Allow an 
hour for the preparation of Cupid's missives and then put the 
finished products on exhibition; take a vote, and award prizes 
for the best and poorest work. 

Have a box or basket filled with valentines, blindfold each 
one in turn and have a missive drawn out. Pass envelopes 
and pencils, the children addressing and dropping them into 
the letter box. Just before going home open the box and have 
the mail distributed. 

A Pretty Valentine Party 

Nearly every country has its own Valentine legends and 
customs. To carry out a party a la Denmark makes it inter- 
esting and full of novelty to Americans. In Denmark the little 
snowdrop has from time immemorial been sacred to St. Valen- 
tine, and the sentimental Dane sends his ladylove a bouquet 

14 



Every Day in the Year 

of these dainty blossoms, with a card bearing an appropriate 
verse. X)n the card are as many pin pricks as there are letters 
in his name. If the lady fair is able to guess the name, she 
is in duty bound to give the sender some colored eggs at Easter, 
which are considered to be in the nature of a forfeit. But to 
return to our party. Pink is the color for decorations, with 
hearts, bowknots, horseshoes, and wishbones used wherever 
opportunity offers. Portieres of pink hearts, cut from a light 
quality of cardboard and strung on ribbons, are very effective ; 
festoons from the grills, doorways, and arches and draped over 
lace curtains give the rooms a gay and festive air. On this 
one night at least, every one must look through rose-colored 
glasses, so the more pink used in decorating the better. 

If cards are to be played. Hearts is the game for the occa- 
sion. Have heart-shaped score cards with candy hearts to 
keep the score, fasten them to the cards with pink ribbons 
through holes bored in the hearts and holes punched in the 
cards. The mottoes inscribed on the old-fashioned candies 
will afford much merriment. After the cards, present each 
lady with an arrow tied with a ribbon, the gentleman with a 
bow decorated in the same manner. The colors are matched, 
and partners thus secured for the supper table. With very 
little trouble a heart-shaped target of white muslin may be 
prepared, with a heart painted in green on the outside, the 
next one of black, the third of yellow, fourth blue, fifth red. 
This will have the appearance of a series of hearts. Fasten 
the target against the wall and give each guest a ^^fate" card. 
When the arrows are shot the color upon which they hit deter- 
mines the fate of the shooter. 

Love and riches wait, I ween, 
Him or her who hits the green. 

Should your arrow pierce the blue, 
Love is on the wing for you. 

She who passes colors all 
Has lovers many at her call. 

15 



Novel Entertainments for 

Loveless, weeping little maid, 
Red her eyes, as red the shade. 

Into the black. 
Nary a smack. 

He who passes one and all, 
His chance to wed is very small. 

A Valentine dining-room is a thing of beauty, with the walls 
hung with green vines and pink hearts. In the centre of the 
table have a heart of snowdrops with a pink ribbon running to 
each plate which is also marked with a heart place card orna- 
mented with hand-painted snowdrops. 

Serve oysters in heart-shaped pastry shells, tomato aspic 
salad moulded in hearts. The tomato used to be called the 
*4ove apple," so it is most appropriate for this feast; cheese 
straws, heart-shaped chicken sandwiches; cherry ice in pink 
heart cases, with individual heart cakes ornamented with 
bowknots in white. 

A Valentine Thimble Party 

Tiny hearts enclosed in envelopes, bearing the hour and 
date, with ^^ Thimbles" in one corner, invited twelve guests to 
spend the hours between two and five with a hostess noted for 
her many and varied entertainments. After an hour with a 
fortune-teller who foretold the best of futures, with every 
maiden wedded to the man of her fondest dreams, the hostess 
gave each one a white Swiss heart-shaped apron with instruc- 
tions to see who was the swiftest sewer, offering a prize to the 
one who finished first. This reward was a large heart-shaped 
box filled with chocolate heart peppermints. 

Delicious chocolate was passed at four o'clock, with a 
** fortune" cake which contained a ring, a coin, a horseshoe, 
and a thimble. It is a novel idea to announce an engagement 
at a party of this kind. The postman could deliver a letter 
bearing the news, signed by Cupid. 

i6 



Every Day in the Year 



A Valentine Dinner Party 

On good old St. Valentine's Day, a young hostess gave a 
most charming dinner. The invitations were issued two 
weeks in advance and one, for example, was worded as follows : 

^' Romeo and Juliet request your presence at dinner on the 
night of February 14, at the hour of seven. Please come at- 
tired as Jack. Jill will meet you at our residence." The 
other guests asked were Darby and Joan, Paul and Virginia, 
Robbie Burns and Highland Mary, Dante and Beatrice, Cin- 
derella and the Prince, Punch and Judy, etc. The dinner 
was served at small tables, each holding four. In the centre 
there was a candle with a heart outlined in carnations, a differ- 
ent color at each table. After each course the men changed 
places, each taking his own tumbler and napkin. The place 
cards were hearts tied with true-lovers' knots, each having a 
love quotation written in gold ink. 

When the repast was finished the guests retired to the vari- 
ous cosy corners, and each lover wrote a formal proposal to his 
*Uadye faire," to which she was privileged to write a refusal or 
an acceptance. The paper provided by the hostess was deco- 
rated with hearts, and fancy envelopes were given in which to 
enclose the precious missives. 

To the lady who was voted to have written the best note a 
necklace of candy motto hearts strung on a pink ribbon was 
awarded; to the man whose effusion received the vote was 
given a dear little pie of chicken hearts baked in a ramakin. 
Old-fashioned square dances finished the evening; the favors 
for each dance were hearts, wishbones, knots of blue ribbon, 
Cupids, tiny slippers, four-leaved clovers, and fairies. 

A Social for Valentine Night 

Send the invitations on Valentine postals, either the printed 
ones or of home manufacture. Amateur photography has 
been a great aid to entertainers in giving just the desired touch 

17 



Novel Entertainments for 

of individuality to place cards and invitations. '^Hearts are 
trumps; no other attachments for the night of the fourteenth 
will be considered" may be written on hearts and enclosed in 
envelopes if the ^^postal" idea is not practicable. When all 
have arrived bring out the life-sized picture or drawing of a 
man or a woman, tack to the wall, then blindfold one person 
\y at a time, give each a paper heart and see who can come the 
nearest to pinning it on in the place where the heart ought to 
be. Then tie a pasteboard heart to a string, hand the guest 
a pair of scissors, turn him around three times, and tell him to 
cut the string holding the heart. For both these games award 
simple prizes. Next pass slips of paper with pencils. Write 
the words ^* Saint Valentine" at the top. Allow twenty min- 
utes to see who can make the most words. This calls for 
another reward. 

To find partners for refreshments cut up good-sized hearts 
into irregular pieces, put the half of one thus dissected into an 
envelope ; have one for each guest. Then each will set out to 
find his or her ^^ other half." Of course the sandwiches, cakes, 
and ice cream will all be heart-shaped. 

A Valentine Pantomime Party 

The people asked to a party of this description should all 
be well acquainted, for on the personal knowledge of each 
other's peculiarities the success of the evening depends. In 
the invitations ask each guest to bring a valentine, either senti- 
mental or comic, that will be capable of illustration. For a 
screen on which to show the shadows, stretch a sheet tight 
between folding doors or in an archway. Just before using 
wet it thoroughly and place a lamp on the floor about four feet 
from the centre of the sheet at the back. 

When the guests arrive take the ladies into a room and give 
them a list of the men to be present ; do the same with the men, 
giving them a list of the ladies. Provide envelopes, pen and 
ink, with which to address the valentines they have brought. 

i8 




DECORATIONS WHICH MAY BE EASILY ARRANGED 
A Strawberry Ckntrepikck — For the Easter Table 



Every Day in the Year 

Then give each one a numbered card, even numbers for the 
ladies, for the men the odd numbers. After all are seated 
facing the screen, Cupid appears with a basket and distributes 
the valentines to those to whom they are addressed; the 
hostess having seen to it that all the guests have been provided 
with at least one. When the missives have been opened and 
their contents noted, the lights are turned out and the man 
who has the card numbered ^^one" is called upon to go behind 
the sheet and illustrate the valentine which he has just been 
studying. After his representation the lights are turned on 
while the guests write on their cards what or whom they think 
he has been endeavoring to portray. The lights are again low- 
ered, and the lady having number two is called upon to make 
her shadow picture, and this scheme is followed out until all 
the valentines have been illustrated. The merriment is great, 
and the time passes very rapidly when all are interested. A 
prize is awarded to the man and to the lady who have made 
the most successful guesses. In pairing partners for refresh- 
ments, the man who has number one takes the lady having 
number two, and so forth. 

Valentine Grace Hoops 

This is a pretty amusement for either children or grown 
people. Make heart-shaped rings to throw over the stakes, 
three for each player. The foundation may be heavy wire, 
wound with satin ribbon; or crepe paper will do almost as 
well, if expense is an item to be considered. Wind one stake 
with gilt paper to represent Wealth, the hearts that go over 
it each counting five points. The second stake may be a tall 
tin horn resting in a wreath of laurel; of course this rep- 
resents Fame ; hearts going over it count ten. Wind the third 
stake with pink and stand it in a circle of roses for Love ; hoops 
staying on it count twenty-five. If children are playing, a 
fourth stake may be added to indicate Goodness. Wind in 
white, and from a florist get a white dove to suspend over it ; 

19 



Novel Entertainments for 

the hearts going over it count fifty. The game may be up to 
five hundred if desired. The hearts can be given as prizes to 
those having the best scores. 

For a Washington's Birthday Party Invitation 

At the top of the sheet put the Washington coat of arms ; 
the United States shield, or a picture of the nation's first presi- 
dent. Then write this jingle : 

Come, ye dames of highest station, 
Come, ye maidens young and fair; 

Lend your beauty, 

Lend your graces, 
Flashing eyes, 
Bepowdered hair ; 
Lend your wit, your smiles, your laughter, 

Beauty spots and dimples rare, 

*T is the nation's 

Father's birthday; 
Patriot dames [or men] and maids be there. 

For Washington's Birthday 

Perhaps the red-letter day of this month, so rich in anni- 
versaries, is the one on which the Father of his Country first 
saw the light. The celebration may be more or less elaborate 
— a course dinner, a luncheon, or an evening function, accord- 
ing to the wishes of the hostess. 

There is no family too poor in this world's goods to recog- 
nize the day by at least hanging the American flag over the 
table. The patriotic spirit must be fostered in the home as 
well as in the school, and in keeping these days, the house- 
mother is sowing seed that will bear fruit in the years to come. 

The first party to be described was intended as a practical 
illustration in Colonial history for the children of the family, 
who were permitted to invite twenty of their little friends. 
The invitations had a print of Mount Vernon at the top, with 

20 



Every Day in the Year 

the Stars and Stripes crossed beneath. The hour was six 
o'clock and there were three tables, each holding ten. The 
father and mother were dressed as George and Martha ; the 
two children were exact duplicates of their elders, and it is 
needless to say that they entered most heartily into the spirit 
of the occasion. When all had arrived, the girls were given 
quaint caps of the kind affected by Martha, with a fichu or 
kerchief; both were made from white crepe tissue paper. 
Each boy received a cocked hat, with a belt and sword. Thus 
adorned they were seated at the tables in the flag-decorated 
rooms. There were tall candles in brass holders, and the gas 
jets were veiled in shades of red, white, and blue. A small hat- 
chet bore the name at each child's plate and the centrepieces 
were cherry trees adorned with most realistic fruit. Cherry 
log candy-boxes held the bonbons, which were candied cherries. 

The menu was simple, as befitted the occasion : first, oyster 
soup in blue bowls, the bread sticks tied with narrow red, white, 
and blue ribbon. Then there was roast turkey and mashed 
potato croquettes, served with a tiny flag stuck in each, and 
spaghetti in ramakins. The salad was of apple, celery, and 
nuts, in red apples, over which was put a dear little tent made 
of white paper. When this was lifted off, the salad looked most 
tempting. Beside the salad were cannon balls of cottage cheese 
rolled in brown toast crumbs. Cherry sherbet was the dessert, 
with a bunch of artificial cherries laid on the plate ; hatchet- 
shaped cookies and small cups of weak coffee completed this 
delicious spread. Then for a half-hour the children listened 
to a very comprehensive story of the boyhood of Washing- 
ton. This was told by the children's father ; and the mother 
told about Mount Vernon and the busy life of Martha look- 
ing after her household and her servants. The children of 
Mount Vernon were given a part in this tale, and the young 
guests gave rapt attention to charming true stories. One boy 
was heard to remark that he liked that way of learning history. 

After this a good-sized cherry tree (it was really an azalea) 
was brought in laden with candied cherries. It was planted 

31 



Novel Entertainments for 

in a jardiniere and presented a very attractive appearance. 
The children were asked to guess how many cherries were on 
the tree; the one making the nearest guess received a candy- 
box drum filled with red, white, and blue candies. Then the 
children were allowed to pick and eat the fruit, which was 
greatly enjoyed. The party was closed by singing ^^ America,'' 

A Luncheon for February the Twenty-Second 

If Washington had not been the ^' father of his country " he 
did enough to immortalize his name when he did or did not 
cut down the tree which has made cherries famous the world 
over. This is a day full of possibilities for the ingenious 
hostess. Over the table suspend three large red apples in 
w^hich small flags are stuck, just as many as can be put in. 
For the centrepiece take a toy drum and fill with red and white 
carnations ; the blue may be supplied by a huge bow of ribbon 
around the drum. Hatchets will be the place cards, with a 
bunch of cherries tied to the handle by tricolored ribbon. 

The following menu will be found appetizing and easily 
prepared : tomato bouillon, bread sticks, creamed sweetbreads, 
rice croquettes. Julienne potatoes, cherry salad made from 
California cherries, replacing the stones with blanched hazel- 
nuts; cheese straws. For dessert have frozen custard, which 
was the ice cream of Washington's day, and was first served in 
this country at a reception which he gave in Philadelphia. 
Ornament the cake with the initials *^G. W." in candied 
cherries, or red, white, and blue candies. 

After the repast have a table in the drawing-room with the 
following objects, or pictures of them, on it. Explain that the 
articles all have or had a direct bearing on Washington's life. 
It might be well to give the guests a hint beforehand, so that 
they could read up on hazy points in history and thereby show 
evidence of their superior knowledge when the time of the con- 
test comes. 

A toy white horse will be recognized as ^^ Nelson," which 

22 



Every Day in the Year 

was the General's favorite charger in the Revolutionary War; 
several toy dogs (hounds if possible) will instantly recall the 
fact that riding to hounds was a pastime much beloved by our 
hero; while a tobacco leaf reminds us that this gentleman 
farmer raised the finest quality of the weed grown in Virginia. 
A little rowboat brings back the crossing of the Delaware on 
that momentous Christmas night, and a colored drawing of the 
flag with thirteen stripes and no stars reminds us of the tremen- 
dous growth of the United States in so short a time when com- 
pared with the advance of European nations. The large iron 
key represents the key of the B as tile which Lafayette sent to 
Washington. There are many more objects which could be 
added, but these will suffice to show how the scheme may 
be carried out. Provide pencils and paper, and request the 
guests to write a story bringing in these articles. Allow 
twenty minutes, have the sketches read, and award some inex- 
pensive prizes, such as a cherry pie, a picture of Washington 
or of Mount Vernon, or a box of candied cherries. Glace 
cherries may be made by dipping large cherries in a sugar 
syrup, then in powdered sugar and let them stand on waxed 
paper over night. 

A Colonial Reception 

For this affair issue the invitations on large sheets of paper, 
folded and sealed without any envelope. Request the guests 
to come in costumes of the Washington period; decorate ex- 
clusively with flags and the national colors. Use only candle- 
light throughout the rooms. In the dining-room have the pre- 
dominating colors blue and buff. The nearest to the latter 
shade will be pale yellow tulips or daffodils, with blue china. 
Canton, or any of the cheaper dark blue wares will answer 
the purpose. Place cards may be obtained having a picture 
of Washington on them. At such a function it is an opportune 
time to display any treasured ancestral belongings whether 
they are, strictly speaking, of the Washington period or not. 

23 



Novel Entertainments for 

For amusement prepare programmes bearing the following 
questions; at the top of each write this tribute of Gladstone's 
to our illustrious first President: *'In a gallery of sculpture, 
were I asked whose form would best grace the tallest pedestal, 
I should name that of Washington/' 

Question: What was the first American flag? 

Answer: To meet the emergency, a British Union Jack was taken 
and stripes of white cotton cloth were sewed across the red, making the 
red and white stripes. Later the stars were put in place of the cross in 
the upper left-hand corner. 

Question: What is the origin of the word ''Yankee'* ? 

Answer: It seemed impossible for the Indians to say ''English"; 
they always said *'Yengese," and that is claimed to be the origin of the 
name that has clung to our Northern inhabitants ever since. 

Question: How did the term "Brother Jonathan'' originate? 

Answer: A pamphlet published in 1643 says, when speaking of the 
monument to Queen Elizabeth: ''Our Brother Jonathan wrote her 
epitaph in a loyal poem, before he had a thought of New England." 

Question: What were the original thirteen States? 

Answer: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hamp- 
shire, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia. 

Question: How many times has the United States been at war 
since 1776? 

Answer: When Jefferson was President there was war with the 
Barbary States in 1804; Under Madison there was war with England in 
181 2 ; with Mexico, under Polk in 1845 ; the Civil War under Lincoln, in 
1861; and with Spain in 1897, under President McKinley. 

It will be surprising how few persons can answer these 
questions, especially as to the original States. A suitable 
prize would be the *^Life of Washington," by Irving. If it is 
desirable to entertain with cards, ** Military Euchre" would 
be appropriate, having each table centrepiece to represent a 
blockhouse bearing the name of an ancient fort, a flag flying 
from the top. The score cards could be cut in shape of shields 
attached to red, white, and blue ribbon. 

To find partners, write the names of the Presidents, and 
their sobriquets or nicknames on separate slips of paper. A 
list is given, for strange to say very few people know or can 
remember them all. 

24 



Every Day in the Year 

George Washington — Father of His Country. 

John Adams — The Colossus of Independence. 

Thomas Jefferson — The Sage of Monticello. 

James Madison — The True RepubHcan ; the Father of the Con- 
stitution. 

James Monroe — The Poor But Spotless President. 

John Quincy Adams — The Old Man Eloquent. 

Andrew Jackson — Old Hickory; the Fighting President. 

Martin Vanburen — Sage of Kinderhook ; the Little Magician ; 
the Shrewd Statesman. 

William H. Harrison — Hero of Tippecanoe. 

John Tyler — The First Accidental President. 

James K. Polk — Young Hickory. 

Zachary Taylor — Old Buena Vista; Old Rough-and-Ready. 

Millard Fillmore — Second Accidental President. 

Franklin Pierce — The Yankee President. 

James Buchanan — The Bachelor President; Old Buck. 

Abraham Lincoln — The Rail Splitter; the Great Emancipator; 
Honest Abe. 

Andrew Johnson — Third Accidental President; the Independent 
President. 

U. S. Grant — Unconditional Surrender; United States Grant; 
the Silent President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes — The Policy President. 

James A. Garfield — The Teacher President; the Towpath Boy. 

Chester A. Arthur — The Chesterfield of the White House ; 
the Fourth Accidental President. 

Grover Cleveland — The Man of Destiny; the Tariff-reform 
President. 

Benjamin Harrison — The Conservative President. 

William McKinley — The Little Major; the Protective-tariff 
President. 

Theodore Roosevelt — Teddy; the Rough Rider; the Fifth 
Accidental President. 

Serve cherry ice and ^^ patriotic'' cake made after this 
recipe, which has been handed down from 1776: To one 
pound of risen bread dough, work in a pint of brown sugar, a 
half-pint of butter, three unbeaten eggs, two tablespoons of 
cream. When worked into a smooth batter add a level tea- 
spoon of soda dissolved in one tablespoon of water; a half- 
pound of English currants, the same of seeded raisins, one 
level teaspoon each of cloves and grated nutmeg ; pour into a 

25 



Novel Entertainments for 

greased pan, set in a warm place to rise for twenty minutes. 
When cool, ice and ornament with candied cherries. 

A Washington Dinner Party 

Here Is a very attractive scheme for a seven o'clock dinner, 
to which eight or ten congenial friends may be asked. 

The centrepiece is a small drum filled with fruit and flowers, 
ornamented around the edge with small silken flags. Bayonets 
in front of the plates hold the place cards, which have diminu- 
tive flags mounted on wires thrust through them; the ladies 
will put them in their hair and the men will use them for 
boutonnibres. At either side of the drum are blue bowls filled 
with red and white carnations ; the china is blue, and the can- 
dles red, in white candlesticks. The shades are a combination 
of red, white, and blue. At each place there is a metal hatchet 
tied with tricolored ribbon, and the napkins are folded in the 
shape of cocked hats. 

MENU 

Canapes of anchovy paste 

Tomato soup Wafers 

Broiled whitefish Potato balls, piled like cannon balls 

Fillets of turkey Mashed potato 

Creamed onions Spaghetti in ramakins 

Cherry ice 
Orange and celery salad, garnished with cheese balls 
Individual cherry pie Cheese Crackers 

Cofifee 

The entertainment to follow may be the making of words 
from the name ^^ Washington.'' Pass papers and pencils and 
allow a half-hour. To the one having the longest list award 
a can of cherries bearing this label: ** These cherries were 
picked from the tree afterwards cut down by the illustrious 
George." 

Over the curtains hang drapery of red, white, and blue 
cheese cloth, and make portieres out of large United States 
flags. On the back of small paper flags which may be pur- 

26 



Every Day in the Year 

chased for a trifle, write quotations and toasts pertinent to the 
occasion, to be read by each guest at the close of the feast. 

A Children's Party for the Twenty-Second 

For guests between the ages of eight and fourteen this 
amusement has been devised. Pictures of George Washington 
and a number of his generals, a drum, a boat, a flag, a tent, 
a picture of Mount Vernon, and a cannon have been cut out of 
white cardboard. Red, white, and blue crayons are to be 
given to the children, with the request to decorate their designs ; 
the latter are chosen by blinding the eyes with a handkerchief 
and then leading the child to the table. This method of obtain- 
ing the picture precludes any preference. Allow half an hour 
for the completing of the pictures. Each guest is to keep the 
figure that he or she colors. 

The table centrepiece will delight the children, for it is an 
open boat with miniature soldiers and a flag in it. It is to rest 
on a mirror, for water, with banks of cotton sprinkled with 
diamond dust in lieu of snow. The bonbons are chocolates 
moulded perfectly round and piled up like cannon balls, on 
plates with red, white, and blue doilies. Napkins come deco- 
rated in the national colors for just these occasions, and the 
stores are full of novelties for favors. 

Cut the sandwiches out with a hatchet-shaped cutter, which 
the tinsmith will make for a small consideration. At the favor 
counter the snapping-cracker caps may be purchased in red, 
white, and blue, with a tiny cannon attached to each. 

The ice cream will be moulded in cherry log forms, thickly 
covered with candied cherries. Colored men in scarlet livery 
will serve the refreshments. 

A Yankee Doodle Kitchen 

This is an amusing feature for a Washington's birthday 
entertainment. It is practicable for a church or club affair 

27 



Novel Entertainments for 

where there is a platform. The curtain rises, showing a 
number of busy housewives in old-fashioned attire ; some are 
washing at the tub; some scrubbing the floor on hands and 
knees; others churning, washing dishes, sweeping, etc. The 
piano or orchestra plays ** Yankee Doodle," at first very slowly, 
gradually increasing the speed, and the workers increase their 
movements accordingly until they are going at a breakneck 
pace. This must be seen to be appreciated. 

An Evening with Longfellow 

On the twenty-seventh of this month one of the most beloved 
and revered of our American poets was born. In the invita- 
tions ask the guests to wear some article indicative of a title of 
one of Longfellow's poems. *^The Rainy Day,'' ^^The Arrow 
and the Song," ^^ Voices of the Night," ^^The Children's Hour," 
*^ Hiawatha," and ^^ The Black Knight " are all easily illustrated. 

To the person guessing the most titles give a framed picture 
of the poet, or of his house at Cambridge ; to the one guessing the 
fewest give one of his mottoes or sentiments prettily framed. 
Many of the poems have been set to music, and a short pro- 
gramme of songs would be an enjoyable finish to the evening 

Postals may be purchased having very good pictures of 
Longfellow's house on them. They would make appropriate 
place cards, or might be sent as invitations. As this is essen- 
tially an evening for ^^the feast of reason and the flow of soul," 
serve the simplest of refreshments. Dainty sandwiches with 
coffee and chocolate will be all-sufficient. 



28 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER III.- MARCH 

In Honor of St. Patrick 

NEARLY fifteen hundred years ago good St. Patrick 
left this mortal sphere after a life of great usefulness. 
In the year 433, he taught the triune nature of God, il- 
lustrating his remarks by plucking a shamrock which grew near 
by. There is a legend about his driving the snakes out of 
Ireland, which arose from the following story : A hideous mon- 
ster lived in a lake, the terror of the people. One day St. Pat- 
rick passed by with the golden rod which a hermit had given 
him and which was supposed to have once been carried by the 
Saviour. With this weapon he slew the venomous serpent. 

One may celebrate this day without being a native of Ire- 
land, and entertaining on the seventeenth is becoming more 
and more popular each year. A visit to the favor counter and 
the confectioner's will show many and varied things for use 
on this occasion. Candy is made into the most realistic pota- 
toes imaginable, while the green flexible snakes are almost too 
natural to be enjoyable. There are shillelahs galore, quaint 
Irish faces to hold nuts at the individual places, clay pipes tied 
with ribbon of emerald hue, and tiny silken shamrocks, just 
the thing to pin the napkin to the tablecloth. Then there are 
shamrock cards to use for score and place cards, and quantities 
of flags bearing the colors of ^^ould Ireland." With these 
resources provided by the up-to-date shopkeeper, a hostess 
has the wherewithal to plan a most novel party. 

A room draped with apple-green cheese cloth with plenty 
of flags, affords a fine background in which to receive one's 
guests. An accommodating florist if given sufficient time will 
provide green flowers for the occasion ; carnations lend them- 
selves best to the process, although roses are almost as good. 
Partners may be paired by means of green hair bows for the 

29 



Novel Entertainments for 

ladies, and rosettes for the men; in this way the requisite touch 
of color is achieved. 

An appropriate centrepiece is a harp of wire (get one from 
a florist) ; outline the strings with tiny white immortelles, and 
the frame with green vines. Then there should be a pedestal 
holding a good-sized representation of the Blarney stone, 
which all the men must kiss. Of course, after they go through 
this form, honeyed words and the boldest of flattery will be 
permissible. In the invitations for this date request the guests 
to come prepared to tell an Irish story, sing an Irish song, or 
dance a jig. Some suitable ballads are *^ Kathleen Mavour- 
neen,^' ^^Killarney," ^^ Kitty," ^Xome Back to Erin," ^^ Wear- 
ing of the Green," etc. 

Pass cards and pencils of green. The answers to the fol- 
lowing questions are all places in Ireland, as follows : 

What Irish town means, 

A sovereign and a city ? — QuEENSTOWN. 

A stopper ? — Cork. 

The capital of Ireland ? — Dublin. 

A popular girl and to be speedy? — Belfast. 

A winter garment ? — Ulster. 

Pathway for a tall person ? — The Giant's CAUSEWAY. 

To be cunning, and to depart ? — Sligo. 

To slay, and to dare ? — Kildare. 

Any of the novelties in the way of candy boxes may be filled 
for a prize, or a volume of Moore's poems would be suitable. 

For a luncheon this green color scheme may be carried out : 
Green pea soup ; fish, with potato balls sprinkled with chopped 
parsley; lamb with peas; string bean salad garnished with 
rings of hard-boiled eggs; ice cream, or ice colored with juice 
of spinach or pistachio; cakes cut in shamrock form, with green 
icing. Crime de menthe may be served after the coffee. 

A St. Patrick's Day Dinner 

The invitations were ornamented with a tiny emerald- 
green snake, which wiggled its way across the sheet of note 

30 



Every Day in the Year 

paper; and this menu was written on potato-shaped cards 
made from brown cardboard: 

HOME-RULE MENU 

Murphy bisque 
Oyster Paddies Olive greens 

Emeralds County Cork croquettes 

Shamrock salad Shillelahs 

Ice cream spuds Giant's Causeway cakes 

Cape Clear coffee 

The Murphy bisque was a cream potato soup, and of course 
the *^ paddies" were patties filled with oysters; and the 
*' greens" were olives; the croquettes were made of chicken, 
and moulded in the shape of corks ; and the emeralds were 
small French peas. The salad was a mint aspic in shamrock 
moulds, in which there were sweetbreads and chopped olives 
with bits of celery. The *^ shillelahs " were made of cream-puff 
batter without any sweetening, and were delicious with the 
salad. 

The ice cream was served in Irish potato skins from which 
the insides had been scraped, the shells coated with white of 
egg, then carefully dried in the oven. When cool no trace 
of the potato flavor was noticeable. The ^^ Giant's Causeway 
cakes" were irregular fingers of white cake rolled, after 
being iced, in chopped nuts and pounded rock candy. They 
stood on end and were tied around with green ribbon. The 
coffee was just the clear amber liquid served in small green 
cups. The table decorations consisted of several table mirrors 
both round and oblong, which were joined with ferns and vines 
to represent the Lakes of Killarney. Ferns formed the doilies 
under plates, and the candles were white, with green shades. 

St. Patrick's Day in the Evening 

These novel invitations excited much comment from the 
recipients, and all looked forward to the seventeenth. The 
envelopes were pale green, written in green, and bore sham- 

31 



Novel Entertainments for 

rocks cut out of vivid green paper for seals. The contents 
read as follows: '^ Faith, and it 's welcome ye '11 be at a partie 
on St. Patrick's Day in the avenin'." In the left-hand corner 
was this request: ^^Plaze riprisint the Ould Sod in costume." 
On the evening in question there was no end of merriment as 
each representative arrived. One lady won the prize not only 
for her unique costume of ^^The Irish Washerwoman/' but 
for the bouquet she carried, which she said was composed of 
*^ Irish orchids " ; it was the hit of the evening. She had made it 
of small potatoes wired onto sticks, then gathered them together 
with a lace-paper frill and wrapped the ends in tin-foil. After 
the refreshments, which consisted of potato salad, nut sand- 
wiches, celery stalks filled with cream cheese and chopped 
olives, pistachio ice, kisses, and bonbons in potato shape, a 
dish of *^ greens" was passed, which furnished a good mental 
diversion. The following questions were written on slips 
enclosed in green paper leaves: 

A large European city and green ? — Paris green. 
Green, and a dairy product? — Green cheese. 
Green, and a part of the human anatomy ? — Greenback. 
Green, and a musical instrument ? — Greenhorn. 
Green, and a reptile ? — Green turtle. 

Green, and a name applied to a foolish person ? — Green goose. 
Green, and a dwelling? — Greenhouse. 
A synonyme for always, and green ? — Evergreen. 
Green, and a common name for a material? — Green goods. 
Green, an elevation of land, and a part of the United States ? — 
Green Mountain State. 

Green, and a tradesman ? — Green grocer. 

Green, and a portion of the surface of the globe ? — Greenland. 

Green, and a part of a house? — Green room. 

The prize for the lady was a doiley embroidered in sham- 
rocks ; for the lucky man there was a blackthorn cane. 

Party for Children on St. Patrick's Day 

The children gather the shamrock in Ireland, where it grows 
in every nook and corner of the Emerald Isle. The more 

32 



Every Day in the Year 

barren and desolate the spot, the more luxuriantly this dear 
little green plant appears to flourish. As early as the last week 
in February it may be found, but two weeks later there is not 
a county in the Island where it may not be found in abundance. 
It is picked and shipped to all parts of the world, the industry 
being fostered by the good Countess of Limerick. But to 
describe the party, which has been planned for children be- 
tween the ages of ten and fifteen. First of all have a shamrock 
hunt. The leaves may be cut from light cardboard if it is not 
possible to find them at the stores. Next pass sheets of paper, 
and let each child draw a pig, while his eyes are blindfolded. 
This will make much merriment. For real fun have a 
drawing of a large pig on the wall, provide a tail for each 
guest, blindfold one at a time, and see who can come the 
nearest to pinning the curly tail onto the place where it ought 
to be. 

Inexpensive prizes may be awarded for all three of these 
games. Have ready in a large basket a favor for each boy, 
wrapped up and tied with green ribbon ; have a duplicate of 
each favor for the girls, which may be given them unwrapped ; 
then form the boys in line and ask each to take a parcel from 
the basket. The favors are matched, and in this way partners 
are found for refreshments. Suggestions for the favors are : a 
potato candy-box ; snake ; white woolly lamb to keep oS evil 
spirits; clay pipe; shillelah; hat; bow of green ribbon; 
Pig, etc. 

For place cards use small Irish flags of paper on which 
write or have printed: 

Success attend St. Patrick's fist, 

For he 's a saint so clever; 
He gave the snakes and toads a twist, 

And banished them forever. 

Each child received a tiny green basket filled with very 
realistic candy stones, which the hostess said had been chipped 
off the original Blarney stone. 

33 



Novel Entertainments for 



Lenten Pastimes 

With the advent of Lent, society is supposed to take a 
much needed rest, but in reality the hostess does just about as 
much entertaining, only the nature of the functions changes 
from large affairs to *^ small and earliest' There are innum- 
erable sewing-circles, the meetings usually beginning with a 
simple luncheon or followed by light refreshments. Here 
is a practical suggestion for one of the coteries : make bags for 
hospital use. Ask each guest to bring enough pretty cretonne 
or **art" ticking to make a bag twelve inches long by twelve 
wide when finished. In each bag put a sharpened pencil, a 
pad of paper, half a dozen envelopes stamped, six postals, a 
half-dozen plain laundered handkerchiefs, and a small bottle 
of best cologne. Some safety pins and a box of assorted hair- 
pins might also be added. Give these bags to the matrons of 
hospitals for the use of charity and emergency patients, to be 
distributed as they see best. They will tell you that nothing so 
greatly appreciated could be presented to the poor helpless 
mortals committed to their care. Ward patients must pass 
many a weary hour ; the often overworked nurses have barely 
time to attend to their actual necessities, and these bags afford 
untold comfort. Making ^^comfort powders" is another 
scheme that provides pleasant work for a Lenten afternoon. 
Procure the regulation powder boxes at a drug store, with the 
white papers. Then write thirty helpful quotations on as 
many slips, fold like powders, place in the box, and write on 
the outside, ^^To be taken each morning before breakfast." 
These will find a warm welcome at any of the various homes 
or institutions where *^ shut-ins" must pass many a common- 
place day. 

A Lenten Party for Elderly Ladies 

A CHARMING woman, who gives more than a passing 
thought to the unequal division of things in this world, for 

34 





Reproduced by courtesij of the liotograph CoiHpaiiy 
EASTER SUGGESTIONS 



Every Day in the Year 

many years has devoted the Lenten season to entertaining 
people to whom social joys are an almost unknown quantity. 
For instance, here is a description of her ^'afternoon'' for the 
old ladies of the Home for the Aged, which happens to be 
near her home. She entertains a dozen at a time, and previous 
to sending her card bearing the day, date, and hour, she pays 
a call upon each of her guests. Then a heated wagonette is 
sent to convey them to and from the house. 

She dons one of her daintiest gowns and at five o'clock 
serves this tea: jellied chicken; cold sliced ham; baking- 
powder biscuit piping hot, with jelly and marmalade ; spiced 
peaches, and delicately browned hashed potatoes. Tea is 
poured from a real old-fashioned china pot with sugar bowl 
and pitcher to match. For dessert there is cup custard with 
brown, crusty, unfrosted sponge cake, and cocoanut layer cake. 
A revolving caster-stand which had belonged to the hostess's 
grandmother stands in the centre of the table, with a dish of 
fruit at either end. A bunch of pansies at each place, with 
this quotation written on a card: **For the pansies send me 
back a thought," will delight the hearts of her honored guests. 
The favors are inexpensive trifles picked up here and there; 
for this dear, thoughtful woman has these afternoons always in 
mind. Another kind act is the sending of souvenir postals, 
for ever since one of the old ladies confided to her that "watch- 
ing for the postman was their chief diversion, although he 
rarely brought anything," she has kept a list of the names in 
her book, and when travelling or at home, these pretty remind- 
ers find their way to the Home for the Aged. 

A Lenten < < Kaff ee-klatsch >* 

Sewing circles have always been a popular form of enter- 
tainment during Lent, when little garments are made for needy 
children, and layettes are constructed for destitute mothers. 
A kafiree-klatsch has a sound of novelty about it, but interpreted 
it means "coffee and chatter," — in reality our old friend the 

35 



Novel Entertainments for 

'^sewing society" under the pleasant disguise of its foreign 
name. Zwiebach, tiny pretzels, coffee cake, and rye bread 
sandwiches are served, with little seed cakes, for which German 
bakers are famous. 

The hours are usually early, from two to five, to give ample 
time to work ; one afternoon a week is devoted to the sewing, 
and it is surprising the number of garments which may be 
made in six weeks. 

Poverty Luncheons and Card Parties 

Where ladies belong to card clubs, it has become the custom 
to devote the prize money during Lent to a charity to be agreed 
upon by the members. If a luncheon is served beforehand, 
each hostess is obliged to confine herself to three dollars for 
eight guests, to tell the price of each article of food, in fact to 
economize in every possible way and give the difference from 
the cost of an ordinary luncheon to charity. Each one vies 
with the others to see who can give the most inexpensive feast. 
Shirt-waist suits are worn, and the affairs are delightfully 
informal. 

Charity Luncheons 

Charity luncheons are very popular during Lent. If 
any church society, or charity organization gives a luncheon, 
it is quite the proper thing for a lady to ask a few friends to be 
her guests, sending word to the chairman of the committee to 
reserve as many places at the table as she will require. Society 
people are doing this, and in consequence the tables are often 
all engaged, thereby assuring a goodly sum for the treasury and 
making the affair a social success. The rolls, cakes, and 
salads at these luncheons are nearly always of home manufac- 
ture, and are sold if anything is left. The tables are decorated 
with flowers, which are sent to the hospitals or to individuals 
who may be ill at their homes. Each year brings more and 
more need for charitable work, and many institutions depend 

36 



Every Day in the Year 

on the assistance which Is given during Lent. Even very 
young children have their Lenten circles ; the girls dress dolls 
and make scrapbooks; the boys mend toys; and one group 
may make fudge every Saturday, to be distributed to the little 
convalescents in a hospital. 

A novel and useful affair was held one evening in Lent. 
The hostess called it a *^ scrap" party. The men were asked 
to bring all thqir cast-off neckties ; the ladies, pieces of silk and 
velvet, even samples being available. These pieces were 
assorted into neat piles, tied with skeins of embroidery silk, and 
sent to shut-ins and to old ladies in ^^ homes," where they found 
a hearty welcome. Several packages were sent to industrial 
homes in the South, and to individuals known personally 
to the hostess. A chafing-dish supper was served at ten 
o'clock, and all pronounced the scrap party a success. 



Mothering Sunday 

We get most of our special days from the English ; and one 
of their very best customs is scarcely known in this country, 
especially to people outside the Anglican Church, namely, the 
celebration of ^^ Mothering Sunday," the fourth Sunday in 
Lent. This day is observed by paying special homage and 
attention to one's parents, more especially the mother. At 
this time all the children make it an unbroken rule to be 
at home, bringing with them gifts for the dear mother; 
and an effort is made to have something especially fine for 
father, in the way of a bottle of choice wine, a box of extra 
good cigars, or whatever he may be especially fond of. Chil- 
dren and grandchildren vie with one another in the prepa- 
ration of their gifts for this one day in all the year that belongs 
solely to the parents. The dinner is prepared 'with reference 
to dishes of which the honored guests are particularly fond, and 
the decorations and appointments are kept a profound secret. 
The place cards bear suitable quotations like the following: 

37 



Novel Entertainments for 

'^ A mother is a mother still, the holiest thing alive." — Cole- 
ridge. 

^^God cannot be everywhere, so he made mothers." — Arab 
Proverb. 

*^Her children rise up, and call her blessed." — Bible. 

*^ Mother— God bless her." 

Surely, of all the holidays set apart to do honor to saint 
and patriot, none has a stronger claim for recognition than 
*^Mothering Sunday." If it is not possible for children to be 
present, they can send a letter of love and devotion, with a 
gift either large or small, which will be cherished by the dear 
household saints, brightening the sunset path for the ofttimes 
weary feet. 



38 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER IV. - APRIL 

An April Fool Party 

'' A LITTLE nonsense now and then is relished by the 

r\ wisest men," so send word to about ten of your very best 

friends, asking them to an April Fool party. The 

invitations may be cut in shape of a fooPs cap, decorated with 

sketches of a court jester. Request each guest to relate the 

most ^^foor' thing he ever did or can describe. 

When the hour for the party comes, have the house all in 
darkness, curtains drawn, with only a dim light visible when 
the door is opened. Instruct the maid to say ^^Not at home" ; 
but this is only for a moment, when she changes her mind and 
asks the astonished person in. 

Have the dinner gong sound, let the guests almost enter 
the dining-room, when the maid says, ^^ Dinner is rigt,served." 
After all are again in the drawing-room have the dinner 
announced in due and proper manner. The table centrepiece 
is a doll dressed as a court jester, his arms full of spring flowers* 
From the overhead chandelier suspend a number of bells by 
delicately tinted ribbons. Tiny wands wound with ribbon, a 
cluster of bells at the end, make charming souvenirs with place 
cards tied to them. To see ^^who shall go in to dinner with 
who," take ribbons three-quarters of a yard long, and shut 
them between folding doors, the men on one side, the women 
on the other ; each takes the end of a ribbon and when the doors 
are opened the persons holding the same piece are mated. 
The menu served is bouillon, devilled crabs, baked potatoes, 
asparagus, tomato salad, ice cream, coffee, cake. This appe- 
tizing list is written on dainty cards, one at each plate. 

The *^ bouillon" is creamed celery soup, in deep old- 
fashioned soup plates; ** baked potatoes" are diced turnips, 
carrot cubes, and tiny green peas, in the shells of baked pota- 

39 



y 



Novel Entertainments for 

toes, grated cheese over the top, and delicately browned in the 
oven. These are delicious and unusual. The *^ asparagus'' 
is large macaroni laid on squares of toast, cream sauce ; " toma- 
to salad" is a mixture of blood oranges, white grapes, and 
pecan nuts served in cucumber boats; the ^^ice cream" is a 
frozen custard moulded into fools' caps, a dainty bell fastened 
to a ribbon- wound toothpick adorning the top of each; the 
^^cake" is a puflF paste filled with mince-meat, to the delight 
of the men; ^'coffee" is one of the many cereal substitutes for 
the real thing. With cigars and cigarettes of chocolate this 
April Fool repast comes to an end. After the return to 
the drawing-room, coffee and cigars are passed, and then 
begins the fun of the evening, the recounting of *^fool" stories, 
with a prize for the best tale. When awarded, the box or 
package will contain nothing, but the real prize will be found 
later on in some mysterious manner to be devised by the 
clever hostess. The person telling the most plausible yarn 
gets his reward at once. 

Two April Fool Games 

Announce to the guests that you have a picture that you 
would like to show, that it has given you a great deal of pleas- 
ure, and doubtless will give them as much. Withdraw a curtain 
revealing a mirror, with ^' April Fool" written on it with soap, 
when you have one or two expectant persons in front of it. 

For the second stunt pile sofa pillows, books, plants, and 
anything in the way of obstruction, on the floor; then tell a 
certain person to mark each obstacle carefully in his mind, 
blindfold him, and tell him to walk across the room. In the 
meantime, after the victim is blindfolded, the objects have 
been noiselessly removed, leaving the floor clear. It is amusing 
in the extreme to see the blind man making his way, and 
when the bandage is removed his astonishment is great. 

In this way the "fooling" continues until the hour for 
departure arrives. 

40 






EXAMPLES OF CORRECT SERVICE 
A IJainty Tea Table- A Place Set eor Dinner 



Every Day in the Year 



Place Cards for April First 

Appropriate place cards for an April First affair are in the 
shape of j&sh, following the custom of the French. A fish in 
that country is typical of the customs of the day, and instead 
of saying *^ April Fool," they exclaim ^^Poisson d'Avril,^' 
^^ April fish," indicating that the person is easily caught. 
Boxes to hold confectionery may be obtained in great variety 
of fish forms. 

An April Luncheon 

"April showers bring May flowers"; and with this in 
mind a clever young hostess prepared this attractive affair. 
A Japanese umbrella was suspended over the table, and tiny 
Jap parasols, one at each plate, had the names on cards tied 
to the handles. A long brass receptacle held daffodils for the 
centrepiece, and the candles were cleverly shaded with Japa- 
nese umbrellas. As it turned out, the day was rainy; but, with 
the warm cheer within, the hostess declared the weather just 
carried out what she had in mind; as it seemed impossible to 
represent the showers in her table decorations, she had pro- 
vided the flowers. 

The menu was delightfully spring-like, — strawberries, 
lamb chops, new potatoes, green peas, watercress, cheese 
balls, and egg salad, with grape fruit sherbet, a jonquil by the 
side of the plate. Tea was made in a Russian samovar, and 
small cakes and crackers completed this daintily and easily 
prepared spread. 

A Rainbow Party 

After the storm comes the rainbow; and while gazing at 
the ^^bow of promise" in an April sky, a dear mother ever on 
the alert to give her children pleasure evolved this reallv beauti- 
ful party. It sounds rather elaborate to prepare, but is not 
difficult if one takes plenty of time for the arrangement of 
details. 

41 



Novel Entertainments for 

Across the sheet of white note paper on which the invita- 
tions were written, the seven prismatic colors were daintily 
done in water colors. ^^Come, hunt for the pot of gold at the 
end of the rainbow," was the only intimation of the character 
of the entertainment; and the young guests were full of curiosity 
as to what was to be done. When all had assembled they 
found a huge rainbow spanning the large living-room; leading 
from it there were cords of the seven colors, carried in every 
direction after the manner of a ^^ spider web" party, a cord for 
each child. The ends all started from a central gas jet where 
the name was attached to one end, and the youthful seekers 
all made the start at a given signal. Then a merry time 
ensued — such tangles, which were all straightened out as the 
balls were slowly wound up! At last a wee maiden of ten 
with the blue string found herself at the side of the ^'rainbow," 
where she had to stoop down and reach behind the folds, and 
was rewarded by drawing out a round package tied in tissue 
paper of blue, with ribbon to match. On opening, there was 
revealed a dolPs kettle filled with chocolate drops wrapped in 
gilt paper. Each child found a favor at the end of his or her 
string, so it was a merry crowd that gathered at the refreshment 
table which had strips of tarlatan of the seven colors from the 
chandelier to the edges of the table. The rainbow arch was 
made from wire, over which the prismatic colors in cheese 
cloth were thrown, and over all a bit of plain white gauze to 
blend the colors. The effect was lovely. 

In Shakespeare's Honor 

The twenty-third of April is generally conceded to be the 
birthday of the illustrious bard of Avon, although there is 
some reason to believe that it may have been the twenty-sixth. 
At any rate, whichever day is selected it affords the hostess an 
opportunity of giving a delightful dinner, luncheon, or evening 
party in his memory. If I remember correctly, purple and 
gold were the colors much in favor with the poet, and they 

42 



Every Day in the Year 

lend themselves well to a decorative scheme. Postals may be 
obtained having excellent views of Stratford, the houses occu- 
pied by Shakespeare, Mary Arden, and Anne Hathaway, and 
they will make good place cards or invitation cards. 
The guests may be asked to come in Shakespearean costume, 
or if that is not practicable, each one may wear some article 
indicative of a character or the title of a play. The menu, 
written on purple cardboard with gold ink, may be a copy of 
the following, which was used by a club that had devoted the 
winter to the study of some special plays; this was the feast 
served at the last meeting : 

Menu 
''This treasure of an oyster." — Antony and Cleopatra. 
''Expect spoon-meat." — Comedy of Errors. 
"That sort was well fished for." — The Tempest. 
"What 's this? mutton?" — The Taming of the Shrew. 
"The early village cock." — King Richard III. 
"I have here a dish of doves." — Merchant of Venice. 
"The queen of curds and cream." — Winter's Tale. 
"Thou art all ice, thy kindness freezeth." — King Richard III. 
"The daintiest last, to make the end most sweet." — King Richard 
II. 

As the courses appeared they were: oysters, clear soup, 
spring lamb, chicken timbales, squabs, cheese souffle, ice 
cream, bonbons, coffee. If a wine is served, it may be de- 
scribed as ^^ Monarch of the vine." The phrase is from 
^^ Antony and Cleopatra." 

A suitable quotation may be written on each place card. 

After the dinner these Shakespearean riddles may be pro- 
pounded; they are exceedingly clever. To the person guessing 
the most a copy of William Winter's ^^Shakespeare's England" 
might be given, or a framed copy of one of the many lovely 
Stratford-on-Avon pictures. 

My first is good meat, with eggs a good dish ; 
ly second allow, or permit, if you wish. — Hamlet. 

My first is so modest, and bashful withal ; 

My second a tuft of you hair — that is all. — Shylock. 

43 



Novel Entertainments for 

My first is the city of Italy's pride ; 

My second 's a vowel you must n't elide. — Romeo. 

My first 's a girl's name — to your wits put a file ; 

My second and third describe her the while, 

If she is well-bred, understood, and has style. — Antony. 

A name of one syllable here you will see, 
A villanous smile devoid of all glee. — Lear. 

My first you take as a witness before heaven ; 

My second some take when an inch they are given ; 

My third is a vowel, just one of the seven. — Othello. 

It is said that George Washington even in fun, 

Never told at all in his life, my one ; 

My two, you find by the sea, I am sure; 

My third you will do, be your life e'er so pure. — Lysander. 

My first is the name of metals combined 

With some other substance, just as they are mined; 

My second 's the name of that part of the world 

Which rose solid and firm when in space it was hurled ; 

My third is a vowel, which endeth this, 

And I am very sure you'll none of it miss. — Orlando. 

My first is money, of specie or gold ; 

When '^we" is objective, my second behold. — Cassius. 

. My first, you see, is the time of the year 
When all the leaves and the birds disappear; 
My second 's a metaphor applied to bread. 
Because it supports our life, it is said. — Falstaff. 

Easter 

This precious festival day, the only one of all our special 
days that has retained its religious significance, usually occurs 
in April. On the Continent this occasion is observed with elab- 
orate ceremony entailing much preparation and forethought; 
the best music, finest gowns, and daintiest gifts are in evidence 
on this glad, festival day. Eggs have always been a part of 
the Easter celebration, being a symbol of the Resurrection. In 
olden times the parish priest blessed the colored eggs which 
were brought to him; they were then distributed to the poor. 

44 



Every Day in the Year 

Eggs of silver and gold were appropriated only by persons of 
royal birth. Artificial eggs containing jewels, or having little 
love poems written on them, were exchanged at this season. 
In Russia there is a pretty custom observed by all, whether 
of high or low degree: a kiss is bestowed with the greeting, 
'^Christ is risen,'' the other person responding, ^^He is risen, 
indeed." 

The legend of the Easter rabbit or hare is of purely German 
origin. It is supposed to be of white, this bunny for whom the 
little children of the *^ Fatherland" search so diligently; it is 
supposed to come only to the boys and girls who have been 
good, loving, and kind during the year. After the house is 
quiet, late at night, this Easter hare visits the household, hiding 
colored eggs and tiny gifts in all manner of out-of-the-way 
corners; on Easter morning the children are early astir on 
their quest for the hare's tokens. Oftentimes the eggs will be 
marked with the names of the children, which is proof posi- 
tive that he knows their history and what they have done. 
Long after the children have fathomed the myth of the Easter 
hare the custom is kept up. 

The Easter Sunday promenade is one of the sights of 
Paris, and New York and Washington are not far behind in 
the gayety and brilliancy of the avenues on the return from 
Easter morning service. 

The giving of gifts at Easter is becoming more prevalent 
each year, and in recognition of this custom the shops are full 
of the most fascinating novelties to delight children as well 
as grown people. There are the downiest of yellow chicks, 
rabbits of all sizes, nests, and baskets, while the eggs are good 
to gaze upon and better still to taste. Plants, flowers, and 
books are always acceptable in way of gifts. Do not 
forget that yellow and white are the true Easter colors, and tie 
up packages with yellow and white ribbons; it doubles the 
gift in value to see evidence of thought and daintiness in the 
outside wrapping. If a note or appropriate sentiment ac- 
companies the offering the meaning is increased tenfold. In 

45 



Novel Entertainments for 

Washington, the children look forward with keen interest to 
the annual egg-rolling on Easter Monday, which always takes 
place inside the White House grounds. The sport is par- 
ticipated in by all the children of the town, rich and poor, 
black and white. The little aristocrat from Dupont Circle 
touches elbows with newsboy and street gamin; all are the 
guests of the President on this one day in the year. The Marine 
Band plays, and from early morn till dark the grounds are one 
mass of happy youngsters, armed with egg-laden baskets. 
The lawn soon has the appearance of being showered with 
confetti as the merry children wage their pitched battles with 
egg ammunition. 

This custom of egg-rolling is a very ancient one; an entry 
in the expense account of King Edward I. reads, ^^ Eighteen 
pence for the purchase of 400 eggs to be used at the Easter 
egg-rolling,'' 

An Easter Luncheon 

All the windows and doorways were curtained with 
white, festooned with garlands of trailing smilax and feathery 
asparagus vine, at this Easter Monday luncheon. The floral 
decorations were yellow and white tulips, with stately lilies in 
the hall. The dining-room table was in spotless white, the 
centrepiece of Annunciation lilies in a rock-crystal vase. The 
candles were of white, in crystal holders, with a lily to catch 
the wax; there were no shades. For holding nuts and bon- 
bons there were white lily cases, and the ice cream was moulded 
in a lily form. Tiny nests of spun sugar at each plate 
contained yellow eggs for favors, and the place cards were 
white crepe paper lilies with the name written in gold paint on 
one of the petals. 

. The hostess asked her guests, six in number, to wear white 
gowns; and the effect when all were seated at the table was 
very pretty. 



46 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTION 
For an Easter Children's Party 



Novel Entertainments for 



An Easter Party for Children 

A COBWEB party is a good scheme to utilize for Easter, and 
it always delights juvenile guests. Attach egg-shaped cards 
each bearing a child's name to the banisters in the hall, then 
wind in and out, up stairs and down, ending the string with an 
egg-shaped parcel containing a small gift. The one who 
succeeds in disentangling his cord first is entitled to an extra 
reward. Next form the children in a circle, throw a ball of 
cotton into the centre; the one who first touches it keeps it. 
A candy egg is concealed in the folds of cotton, which is then 
tied with ribbon. There must be a ball for each guest. 

Little yellow chicks, which may be purchased by the 
dozen for a few cents, may be hidden and hunted for after the 
manner of *'hot and cold" (every child knows how), the music 
being played loud or soft according to the proximity of the 
seeker to the chick. 

For refreshments, serve cocoa and a variety of dainty 
crackers, then nests made from a foundation of kisses, which 
may be purchased at the baker's; lay shredded cocoanut and 
candied orange peel around the edge to simulate straw; inside 
put ice cream with three candy eggs on top. For the centre- 
piece have a large toy chicken on a nest (a round work basket 
answers this purpose admirably), from which have a ribbon 
leading to each child's place. After the repast let the ribbons 
be pulled, and on the end have an inexpensive Easter favor to 
take home. These suggestions are adaptable to grown people, 
and will be found most enjoyable. 

A Floral Card Party for Easter Monday 

A NEW idea for a charity is given below. Send the invita- 
tions on flower-shaped or decorated cards; ask each guest to 
bring a potted plant or a fern or a bouquet of flowers. The 
score is kept by blossoms; carnations are the best, as they 
last well. At the finish each guest will possess one or more 

48 



Every Day in the Year 

of the fragrant reminders of his good or bad luck. The ice 
cream is served in individual floral moulds, and the cakes are 
ornamented with crystallized rose leaves, candy roses, and 
violets. After the party the plants are sent to a hospital. 
There are no prizes, the floral offering being purchased with 
the prize money. 

A Butterfly Luncheon 

The butterfly is symbolic of the Resurrection, and the host- 
ess seeking something new can have a '^ butterfly" luncheon. 
They may be made from all kinds of papet, ornamented with 
water colors, gold paint, and silver paint. Suspended by 
very fine black wire from the ceiling, these dainty, fluttering 
creations are most effective. The place cards and candle 
shades may also be of butterflies. Have a low dish containing 
spring flowers, over which two or three butterflies may be 
wired. If games are played requiring prizes, a silver filigree 
pin, a butterfly penwiper, or a blotter will be suitable. The 
following menu may be served. 

Clear soup Wafers 

Fried spring chicken Mashed potatoes sprinkled with chopped parsley 

Green peas Tomato salad 

Strawberry omelet 

Hot cross-buns 

Mint ice Easter tarts Grape juice Salted nuts Easter bonbons 

The hot cross-buns are made by cutting a deep cross in 
the buns before baking, and then filling in the gash with 
frosting just before they are done. The following recipes 
for Easter tarts will be welcome, as they are decided novelties. 

Make a rich puff paste, bake in fluted tart tins; let them 
cool before filling, in fact they may be made several days 
ahead of time. For snow tarts, fill the shells with whipped 
cream; over the top put cocoanut grated, chopped almonds, 
and a big luscious strawberry just before serving. 

Cheese tarts are made by taking one cupful of curd drained 
dry, yolks of two eggs, three cups of sweet cream, a pinch of 

49 



Novel Entertain ments for 



wS 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTIONS 
For a Good Luck Party -For an Easter Luncheon 



Every Day in the Year 

salt, and pepper; sweeten to taste. Add one cup of candied 
cherries; when done, frost and put in the oven to delicately 
brown. 

The almond tarts are made by using chopped almonds 
(blanched), marshmallows cut with scissors, bits of citron and 
candied pineapple; on top of each put three blanched almonds. 

An Easter Dinner 

Although all the lovely green, violet, and pink shades are 
appropriate for Easter, the true colors are yellow and white — 
yellow, the emblem of the sun, showing the goodness of God; 
and white, typical of purity and all things made new. Use 
gold-banded china, gold-decorated glass side dishes, with a 
centrepiece of white or yellow flowers. A white egg bears 
the name of each guest instead of a place card; these rest 
on little pans each holding a poached egg, the white made of 
uncolored fondant, the yellow colored with orange. 

For the first course serve an anchovy canape, then duchess 
soup, which is made from white stock slightly thickened with 
the grated hard-boiled yolks of eggs sprinkled over the 
top of each cup before serving; chicken breasts, or squab, 
with cucumber, creamed potatoes in ramakins, and asparagus 
tips on toast fingers. An egg salad follows, made in the form 
of lilies by cutting the whites lengthways and mixing the yolk 
with minced ham and olives. Serve in a nest of watercress. 
The dessert consists of New York ice cream, which is yellow, 
frozen in a ring mould with egg-shaped dabs of whipped cream 
in the centre. 

In a nest of ferns and flowers have a colored egg for each 
guest ; attached to them have slips of paper bearing sentiments 
like these: 

Draw the egg of violet hue, 

You'll have friends both fond and true. 

Pink will bring you luck, 
A lover full of pluck. 

51 



Novel Entertainments for 



Gladly take the egg of green, 
For good fortune may be seen. 

The egg of blue, 
Means lovers few. 

Do not touch the egg of red, 
If you do you'll never wed. 

If you draw the egg of white, 
Your true love you'll see to-night. 

You'll marry in another town. 
If you choose the egg of brown. 



An Easter Egg Hunt 

The invitations for this pretty party are china nest eggs on 
which the date, name, and place are written with India ink or 
gold enamel paint. They are placed in small handled baskets, 
which may be purchased by the dozen for a trifling sum. 
Delivering these novel invitations gives great pleasure to the 
children. 

An egg hunt will occupy a good share of the time from three 
until six. Purchase the attractive eggs to be found in candy 
shops at this season of the year, hide them in every place, then 
let the children hunt for them. Provide egg-shaped bags of 
tarleton to hold the spoils. Award prizes of rabbits, yellow 
chicks, and butterflies. 

After this seat the little folks at tables with boxes of paints, 
brushes, paste, and fancy pictures. Give each one an egg 
with the privilege of decorating it as best suits him. This 
affords an opportunity to display childish originality. 

Now for the refreshments, which are to be served at six, 
and the children will need no other meal when they return 
home. First serve *' magic eggs,'^ made by selecting smooth 
potatoes; bake until almost done, then carefully scoop out 
a hole large enough to hold an egg. Season the cavity with 
salt and a bit of butter. Drop in the egg, tie the top back on, 
and replace in the oven to finish baking. These are delicious 

52 



Every Day in the Year 

and furnish much amusement; they all want to know ^^how 
the egg got there." Have chicken sandwiches and cocoa, 
vanilla ice cream in the form of egg3 resting on nests made from 
strips of candied orange peel. Small white egg-shaped cakes 
with yellow frosting will complete this simple repast. A green 
wicker basket filled with jonquils, and drawn by two white 
^^ bunnies" will be an attractive centrepiece. Give each child 
a flower to take home, also the bag containing the eggs from 
the hunt. 



53 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER v.- MAY 

A May-Day Luncheon 

" *Where are you going, my pretty maid ? ' 
* I'm going a-Maying, sir,' she said.'* 

IT IS a custom worthy of revival, that of sending gifts of 
flowers and fruit on the first day of May. We cannot 
have too much of the legendary romance and sentiment 
put into our practical and often commonplace lives, so let us 
joyfully add another to our calendar of special times to cele- 
brate. Like most of our customs, this one comes to us from 
our English cousins, who have about ten holidays to our one; 
but it is one of the most hopeful signs, that merchants, host- 
esses, and schools are recognizing these fete days, and chil- 
dren welcome any innovation to vary the monotony of daily 
routine. So give them a share in the May-Day prepara- 
tions and every one will be better and happier in conse- 
quence. 

The luncheon described was given by a far-sighted hostess 
who does not celebrate the first day of May by moving, as is 
the yearly habit with many dwellers in city apartments. The 
decorations consisted of branches of fruit trees which had been 
placed in lukewarm water about four days before they were 
used, the water being changed several times daily. The result 
was a wealth of sweet blossoms which transformed the rooms 
into a veritable orchard, and the expense was but little. 

A Maypole formed the table centrepiece, made from a broom 
handle, gilded from the top; and an embroidery hoop wound 
with ribbon and flowers was the fastener for the delicately 
colored ribbons which radiated to each plate. These streamers 
may be made of garlands of real or artificial flowers strung on 
a stout thread, tiny roses or daisies being especially adapted for 
this purpose, A small basket filled with salted nuts stood at 

54 



Every Day in the Year 

each cover, with the name card tied to the handle bearing this 
quaint quotation: 

" Ho! the merrie first of Male, 
Brings the daunce and blossoms gaie, 
To make lyfe a hoHday.'* 

The first course consisted of strawberries in baskets lined 
with green leaves; then bouillon, broiled fish, sweetbreads, 
new potatoes, peas, a tomato and lettuce salad. Ice cream in 
flower-shaped moulds with small cakes completed this dainty 
repast. 

A Dinner for May Day 

The invitations were sent in small baskets, with a flower 
and a spray of green ; they were hung on the door knob in real 
old-fashioned May-Day style, the messenger waiting long 
enough to see that they were received. In Old England gifts 
were sometimes sent in the May baskets as well as flowers. 

In most sections of the country daisies are in their prime 
at this season, and they were the decorative scheme used on this 
occasion, their lasting qualities making them specially valuable 
for banking fireplaces and mantels. Daisies done in water 
colors were the place cards, and the centrepiece was a low 
mound out of which the daisies were apparently growing; 
garlands of them went from the overhead light to the four 
corners of the table. 

The candlesticks were white, the candles yellow, with 
shades trimmed with artificial marguerites. It was the pret- 
tiest table imaginable. 

For the first course grape fruit was served, then cream- 
of-celery soup with the yolk of a hard-boiled egg grated over 
the top; sweetbreads, with creamed new potatoes in yellow 
ramakins; green peas, with tiny cubes of carrots; hot biscuit; 
a fruit salad in banana-skin boats; orange ice, with individual 
sunshine cakes. Benedictine was served after the coffee. 

Thus the entire menu was almost confined to the daisy 

55 



Novel Entertainments for 

colors, yellow and white; the gowns of the hostess and most 
of the guests carried out the same scheme, and the effect was 
lovely. After dinner, baskets were made by braiding strips 
of crepe tissue paper, and sewing the braids together; the 
handle was braided and sewed on, then tied with a bow of 
ribbon. They were filled with flowers and bonbons and 
sent the next day to the sick ward of a Home for Old Ladies. 

Fete on May Day for Children 

The French chronicler Froissart tells of the games tnat 
children used to love to play on the first day of May; in fact, 
nearly every country has records of the merrymakings which 
took place to celebrate the Spring's return, and it was especially 
enjoyed by children, who, with their elders, always participated 
in gay dances. The feature of the day was always the winding 
of the Maypole on the green and the selecting of the May 
Queen; this important choice being made, the day was one 
succession of joyous games and dances. 

If the weather permits, erect a pole some eight or ten feet in 
height on the lawn, with streamers of tarlatan or cheese cloth; 
some people use ribbons, which are pretty, if expense is no 
consideration. These "winders" should be about four 
yards in length, of colors which harmonize well. A wreath of 
flowers generally crowns the Maypole, and there is a mound of 
ferns and blossoms at the base. 

Perhaps the fairest way to choose the little May Queen is 
to cast lots by drawing slips of paper out of a bag, on one of 
which is written the word "Queen.'' Another way is to 
blindfold one girl at a time and let her select a flower out of a 
bowl; the one bearing a slip of paper on the stem will be the 
honored one. Then Her Majesty may name her pages, a 
herald to announce her coming on a trumpet, her ladies in 
waiting, etc. This ceremony over, the Queen crowned with 
a wreath of flowers and given a floral sceptre, the Maypole is 
wound and games such as "London Bridge is Falling Down," 

56 



Every Day 



1 n 



the Year 



> 
n 

w 

o 

> 

D 
O 

o 
w 

H 
O 

C/5 




Novel Entertainments for 

*^Ring Around a Rosy/' ^^Here We Go Round the Mulberry 
Bush," ^^ Tag," and '^ Going to Jerusalem " are played. These 
are nearly all remnants of old English pastimes to which 
quaint words used to be sung. 

Shakespeare refers to a ^^ morris for May Day." It was a 
dance or frolic around the pole, with an accompaniment of 
gay music. Originally this dance came from the Moors, who 
carried swords ; our English cousins substituted short flower- 
trimmed sticks and wore multitudes of tiny bells around their 
ankles and knees, which gave a merry jingle in the dance. 
You see what possibilities the hostess has by requesting the 
guests to come in costumes befitting the occasion, the girls as 
shepherdesses and milkmaids, with large flower-trimmed hats, 
beribboned crooks and wands; the boys as court jesters and 
merry men of the greenwood. In such a throng there would 
surely be "Maid Marian," "Robin Hood," "Will Scarlet," 
" Friar Tuck," and many more of that happy-go-lucky band. 
To choose partners for any game the hostess may make a 
tulip" bed by filling a shallow wooden box with sawdust or 
sand, cover it with green crepe paper, and place it on a tabouret 
or a table. Then make tulips of crepe paper, and on the end of 
each wire stem tie a small favor; have two of each kind, and 
when matched mates are found. On one the word "King" 
might be written and he would of course find the Queen. 
Have Tennyson's poem "The May Queen" read, and the 
whole affair will be in a measure educational, inasmuch as it 
revives one of the favorite holidays of our ancestors. The 
refreshments should consist of sandwiches of various kinds, 
fruit, lemonade, small cakes, cookies, stick candy, and ice 
cream. After the outdoor games the repast may be served in 
the house or on the porch. 

A May-Day House Picnic 

In some places the first day of May is apt to find "Winter 
lingering in the lap of Spring," so that any outdoor affairs are 

58 



iC 



Every Day in the Year 

impossible. To keep up the semblance of an outside party, 
one hostess decorated the house with quantities of potted 
plants and branches of apple blossoms, put up hammocks and 
a swing or two, and asked a few intimate friends to come to a 
May picnic. She prepared a dainty flower-and-ribbon-tied 
basket for each couple, had several tables and all the appur- 
tenances of a picnic, even to a fire in the big dining-room, 
with a kettle of water boiling on the crane, in which corn was 
cooked. Coffee was served in tin cups, and the guests wore 
tub suits, at least the girls; the men came in soft shirts and 
straw hats. After the supper there was a regular old-fashioned 
candy-pull. The candy was cut and wrapped in waxed paper 
and sent in small May baskets to a charitable institution in 
which the hostess was interested. 



59 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER VI.- JUNE 

A June Party 

THIS entertainment was planned to be held out-of-doors, 
but the elements prevented, the rain of the previous 
night having made the ground too damp for the flower 
hunt, so it took place in the house. Dainty invitations had 
been sent, decorated with tiny blossoms scattered all over the 
page, ^^Dresden" fashion. This list of ^^ birth flowers" was 
enclosed and the guests asked to wear the flowers belonging to 
their respective birth months, and to state in their acceptance 
what flower represented their month. 

January — Snowdrop. 

February — Primrose. 

March — Violet. 

April — Daisy. 

May — Hawthorn. 

June — Rose. 

July — Poppy. 

August — Water lily, 

September — Morning-GLORY or Golden-rod. 

October — Hop vine or Aster. 

November — Chrysanthemum. 

December — Holly. 

In this way the hostess had for each girl a wreath of her 
birth flower, and a houtonnihe for each boy. It is an olden 
custom to wear one's birth flower, either a fresh blossom or the 
dried petals sown in a little silken bag and worn around the 
neck to ward off evil spirits. 

After all had assembled, bags made of flower-decorated 
crepe paper were distributed, and the company were told to 
hunt every place for slips of paper bearing the names of the 
birth flowers represented, but to claim only their own. Twenty 
minutes was allowed, then the hostess blew a horn for the return 

60 



Every Day in the Year 

of the hunters; flowers were counted, and the lucky boy and 
girl were the recipients of dainty prizes. Partners for refresh- 
ments were chosen by selecting flowers (artificial), which were 
pinned to a large potted plant. There were two flowers of 
each kind. The table centrepiece was a large gilded basket 
filled with flowers, the handle tied with a huge bow of pink 
tulle. 

An Informal Luncheon 

''Come to luncheon at one, wear a tub suit, and bring your 
thimble." So the little notes read that were received by eight 
young matrons one warm June day. On an awning-shaded 
porch the hostess welcomed her guests, and the maid passed 
tall tumblers of lemonade in each of which three large, luscious 
cherries floated. 

In the dining-room, which was all in Delft blue, with blue 
and white draperies, the table was set with Japanese paper 
doilies, which come in all sizes and in a bewildering variety of 
colors. The hostess explained that those doilies were really 
the cause of the luncheon at this particular time, for every- 
one knew that she was preparing for an extended trip to the 
seashore. ''I have a scheme to get you girls to help me out of 
a dilemma, which I'll make known after you have satisfied the 
inner man and are in a humor to be worked." And what an 
appetizing spread it was! A mass of scarlet geraniums filled a 
large copper bowl in the centre of the table. Four copper 
candlesticks, shaded with scarlet, made a soft, beautiful light; 
the dishes were blue, and the service plates of copper. They 
really belonged to a nut set, but were most effectively used in 
this way. 

The first course was red California cherries dipped in 
water, then in powdered sugar, and chilled; they were on 
nasturtium leaves in tall glasses. Creamed chicken and 
mushrooms in pastry shells, green peas, and Saratoga pota- 
toes came next, with the tiniest of baking-powder biscuit. The 
salad was a fruit mixture, with cheese straws. Delicious 

6i 



Novel Entertainments f o r 

cherry ice was the dessert, with lady fingers and macaroons. 
Iced tea with lemon juice passed in a small glass pitcher was 
served throughout the meal. A housekeeper will see what an 
easily prepared repast this was, yet how delicious. 

*^Now, prepare to work and be worked," said the hostess, 
and she produced a number of lingerie waists, which were all 
finished except sewing the lace on collars and sleeves. By 
five o'clock the last stitch had been taken, and a delightful 
time credited to an already much beloved hostess, who said, 
in parting: ^^Many hands make light work." 

How to Give a Correct Luncheon 

The question is asked how to give a correct luncheon, the 
hour, courses, etc. One, or half after, is the accepted time; 
the shades are drawn, and artificial lights used as for an even- 
ing dinner. There is usually a centrepiece of flowers, although 
a fruit piece is sometimes substituted. Candles with shades 
to match the color scheme are used, and place cards, 
elaborate or simple, according to the taste and purse of the 
hostess. 

In serving, a good rule to follow is a fruit, bouillon or 
light soup, a lamb chop, a chicken, oyster, or sweetbread 
patty, potato or rice croquettes, olives, jelly, or celery, 
radishes, a salad with wafers, and a dessert followed by coffee, 
cheese, and crackers. Many hostesses now serve some 
one of the popular cordials in tiny glasses, holding barely a 
thimbleful. 

Pretty, light gowns are worn, high neck and elbow 
sleeves. 

In serving luncheons and in decorating during the sum- 
mer months, try to have a menu as seasonable as possible, 
and use the delicate pastel shades, reserving red and heavy 
dishes for the winter months. Change the sombre draperies 
and elaborate pillow covers to ones of washable fabrics, and 
make life as easy and as bright as possible. 

62 



Every Day in the Year 



A Luncheon for the Girl Graduate 

This description of a luncheon given by the mother 
of a sweet girl graduate may be of assistance to others who wish 
to have similar afiFairs. The class colors were orange and 
purple, gorgeous in the extreme, yet they combined very prettily. 
There were just twelve girls, and they sat around a polished 
table, with lace mats over purple. 

The candles were individual ones in brass holders, with 
shades of lace-paper filigree over purple. Tiny dolls dressed 
in purple gowns, with caps of orange, held the place cards, 
which were cut out in book form from purplish cardboard 
lettered in gold with the words: ^ The History of Miss Blank." 

The menu was the usual one, so I will not give the dishes, 
but the salad of orange, nuts, celery, and white grapes was 
served in halves of oranges made into baskets with a bow of 
orange and purple on the handle. The ice was orange, with 
cake frosted with the egg yolks instead of the whites. With 
the after-dinner coffee, paper rolls tied up like diplomas with the 
class colors were passed, bearing this pretty verse, which was 
most appropriate for the guests just starting out on the next 
period of life's journey: 

A little journey through shade and sun, 
A little rest where quiet waters run, 
A little parleying with friend and foe, 
A little oasis where blossoms grow, 
A little darkness ere the light is won. 

A Flag Party 

As June the fourteenth has been designated as Flag Day, it 
is an opportune time for this entertainment, which will delight 
the children. Use flags large and small for decoration; tell 
the story of Betty Ross and the making of the first flag, and 
then have a flag race. It is conducted in this manner: Have 
ten rows of flags and select ten children; at the word ** Ready'' 

63 



Novel Entertainments for 

each picks up a flag, runs to a spot marked out, sticks the flag 
in the ground, returns for another flag, and so on until all are 
taken up. If there is another set of ten they try it, until 
all have had a turn. The ones who make the best time are 
awarded flags for prizes. The next stunt is to pin up a large 
flag to the side of the porch or wall with the blue part covered 
with plain cloth. The trick is to blindfold the children, turn 
them around three times and see who can pin the most paper 
stars in the place where the stars ought to be. 

In the department stores a set of paper flags of all nations 
may be purchased, and an interesting and instructive contest 
may be arranged, by seeing how many will be recognized. If 
these are not obtainable, Webster's Unabridged Dictionary 
contains colored plates of all the national symbols. They 
may be copied with colored pencils on white paper, each 
numbered and pinned up on the wall. 

Close the party by singing " America '^ and *'The Star- 
Spangled Banner." The refreshments may consist of red, 
white, and blue ice cream with candy sticks to match, and 
a ribbon cake, also in patriotic colors. 

A Rose Luncheon 

One of the prettiest functions imaginable is a rose luncheon. 
Pink is a color scheme always satisfactory both to hostess and 
guests. The table may be covered with a lace cloth over pink 
or remain bare with individual plate doilies. For the centre- 
piece, take a square basket, fill with pink roses and suspend 
from the overhead chandelier by broad streamers of tulle or 
ribbon. Use glass or silver candlesticks, with shades of pink 
silk roses. The place cards are charming, done in water colors, 
a rosebud cut out the original shape. On these write the half 
of a rhyme, original or from ** Mother Goose"; in the drawing- 
room give the other half written on bits of paper to the guests. 
In this way seats at the table are found. As girls sometimes 
forget and talk personalities, repeating things best left untold, 
there may be a large American Beauty rose suspended by a 

64 




A JUNE TABLE 



Every Day in the Year 

ribbon of the same shade over the entrance to the dining- 
room. Of course the question will be asked, ^'Why is the 
rose thus placed?'' and the hostess will explain that the rose 
is the Greek emblem for secrecy, and in olden days it was 
placed over the table when guests were entertained, in token 
that what was heard around the board was not to be repeated. 
That is where we get the expression "Sub rosa." 

The bonbons and ices may be served in exquisite rose- 
shaped cups, the cake trimmed in candy roses, and even the 
salad may be brought on in rose cases set on a standard of 
three rose stems wired together and wound with dark green 
tissue paper. These cases may be found at the caterer's, or 
made at home if one has the time. 

A June Dinner 

Nile green and white were the colors selected for a dinner 
to which eight guests were asked one warm night the latter 
part of this month, when the weather is apt to grow rather 
oppressive. The centrepiece was a cut-glass bowl filled 
with maidenhair ferns; candlesticks were of glass with green 
shades. Over the table a large fern ball was suspended, cast- 
ing soft shadows with its long feathery leaves. At each place 
a doll's jardiniere held a spike of giant mignonette; white 
cards decorated with hand-painted sprays of maidenhair ferns 
bore the names of the guests, with a quotation. Here is the 
appetizing menu served: A clear soup with a spoonful of 
whipped cream placed on top just at the moment of sending to 
the table; boiled trout with egg sauce; breaded veal cutlets; 
Lyonnaise potatoes; asparagus on toast; vegetable salad in 
green pepper cases; pineapple sherbet with a green maras- 
chino cherry on top. 

After the repast, while still seated at the table, the hostess 
passed a bowl containing green crinkly paper leaves each 
concealing a question written on a slip of white paper. The 
one answering the most questions received a salad plate, while 

65 



Novel Entertainments for 

the maid brought in a head of lettuce to the guest having the 
least to his credit. 

The list was as follows: 

A large European city and green ? — Paris green. 
Green and a portion of the human anatomy ? — Greenback. 
Green and a dair}^ product ? — Green cheese. 
Green and a musical instrument ? — Greenhorn. 
Green and a reptile ? — Green turtle. 
Green and a dwelling ? — Greenhouse. 
A synonyme for '^always'' and green? — Evergreen. 
Green and a common name for material ? — Green goods. 
Green and a portion of a house ? — Green room. 
Green, an elevation of land, and a part of the United States ? — 
Green Mountain State. 

A Farewell Party 

A YOUNG woman who sailed for Europe in June had this 
unusual luncheon given her. The centrepiece was a toy dray 
piled high with miniature trunks, and the place cards were 
dress-suit cases with the name of the guest written and pasted 
on the side. The guests, who were all intimate friends, had 
purchased a silver travelling cup in a russet leather case, and 
it was at the departing friend's plate. After the luncheon was 
well under way, the maid brought in a pile of steamer letters, 
one from each person, to be read on shipboard. With the 
dessert, telegrams purporting to be from absent friends arrived, 
all giving advice, remedies for mal de mer, and good wishes. 

Before leaving the table, the guests helped the little dray 
with its horses around to the guest of honor's place; she 
took the trunk marked with her name and found it to contain 
a dainty turn-over collar from each guest. The other trunks 
contained small bonbons. After this envelopes were passed 
containing foreign post cards cut into pieces, making puzzles. 
The subjects were all supposed to be places to be visited by 
the traveller. The reward to the one first solving her card was 
a framed post card, a copy of a great painting. 

66 



Every Day in the Year 



A Steamer Letter Shower 

As June is the month when most people go to Europe, a 
description of this clever entertainment given for a young 
woman on the day before she left for New York may be accep- 
table. One hears constantly of the steamer letter. This may 
consist of almost anything, from the ordinary letter mailed 
to the steamer for the day of sailing, to mammoth bouquets, 
huge baskets of fruit, boxes of candy, and presents of all 
kinds. 

On this especial occasion, the table centrepiece was a toy 
steamer flying the flag of the line on which the guest was to 
sail; the place cards were postals which afterwards were 
mailed by the traveller back to the luncheon guests; they 
were all stamped ready for mailing en route. Each person 
brought a parcel or letter with instructions written on it stating 
when it was to be opened. 

At sea the days are often monotonous, and anything is 
doubly welcome that savors of home and far-away friends. 
As the traveller was to sail on a slow boat, there was a sur- 
prise for each day. Some of the gifts were: a glass jar con- 
taining salted nuts (dampness spoils nuts, so when given for an 
occasion of this kind, seal air-tight), a jar each of peppermints 
and lime drops. (Another hint: chocolate and French bonbons 
are not very satisfactory sweets to carry on an ocean voyage, as 
they mash and melt too easily.) This tourist was to spend her 
birthday on board, so a tin box contained a cake ornamented 
with candied cherries and candles all ready to light. Then 
there was a good-sized box of candied ginger; a *^ memory" 
book to hold menus, tickets, checks, etc.; Japanese hand- 
warmers, to slip in the capacious pockets of an ulster, 
which were expected to prove a great luxury; a box of ball- 
room pencils to go in a chatelaine bag; and a cup attached to 
a flask completed the list of practical and acceptable remem- 
brances. The hostess presented '^twin" pillows of blue denim 
embroidered with white initials for use on the steamer chair, 

67 



Novel Entertainments for 

and a bag such as children use to carry their schoolbooks in 
to hang on the side of the chair — in fact, a regular catch-all ; in 
it could be placed magazines, books, and small articles that 
one might drop. 

Two Clever Bon Voyage Gifts 

For a young boy who was going to Europe for six months, 
a girl friend made this charming gift whereby many an hour 
was happily spent; it provided amusement for him, and the 
grown-ups in the party enjoyed it quite as much as he did. 
It was a blank book, the first pages containing ninety illus- 
trated book titles; the ^^key" was giyen to his mother; then 
a number of pages were ruled off for a diary, covering just 
the months to be occupied by the trip. After this came snap- 
shots of his own home, the street where he lived, and of the 
children with whom he played. There were valentines from 
these chums, also Easter cards, April fool jokes, and Fourth of 
July souvenirs. These special pages were tied together with 
*^Not to be opened till the date'' written on the preceding page. 
The pages covering the boy's birthday were concealed in the 
same manner. 

The other ^ Agoing away" gift was arranged for a three-year- 
old child who was to make the long journey to South America. 
A friend provided a huge ball of worsted, with instructions 
to unwind one ^^ surprise" a day. The ball contained all 
kinds of little novelties; a top, dolls of various sizes, a wee 
bottle of perfumery, a handkerchief, a pair of round-pointed 
scissors, small boxes of odd shapes filled with hard bonbons, 
toy animals from a Noah's Ark, a coarse needle, and a box 
of kindergarten beads. 

The mother said afterwards that the '^surprise" ball was 
kept until all else failed to amuse, and then it provided just 
what was needed. The last article was unwound as the 
vessel went into the harbor at Rio Janeiro, and life took on 
a new interest in that strange land. 

68 



Every Day in the Year 



A June Luncheon 

Light green and white are the colors to be used at this 
dainty luncheon. There are to be eight guests, an ideal num- 
ber for a luncheon party. The centrepiece is a cut-glass bowl 
filled with maidenhair ferns and giant mignonette, and candle- 
sticks of glass with green shades. A large fern ball suspended 
over the table is an effective decoration. The place cards are 
white, painted with water colors in a fern design, the lettering 
done with white ink, which looks like embossing. Here is an 
appetizing menu, which is not difficult to prepare: A puree 
made of peas and spinach, served in cups with a spoonful of 
whipped cream on top; minced chicken baked in ramekins 
(put a sprig of parsley on the top before sending to the table) ; 
sweetbread salad in green sweet peppers ; an ice colored green 
with spinach juice, small cakes iced with green creme de menthe, 
and pistachio nuts in green and white holders forming the 
dessert. Iced coffee may be served on the porch if the day is 
warm, as it should be in June. 

A white apron with green ribbons and much betrimmed with 
lace will be worn by the hostess, and green fans of Japanese 
manufacture will be the souvenirs, upon each of which the 
hostess is to write a quotation pertaining to June. I am quite 
sure that one of them will be Lowell's ^' And what is so rare as 
a day in June?" also ^^Then, if ever, come perfect days," 

A Novel Travel Party 

Send out invitations for a rapid trip around the world — 
a personally conducted party, — to start on a given day 
and hour. Then prepare as many red-bound booklets as 
there will be guests; mark them ^^ Baedeker's Guide"; on the 
first inside page have as many numbers as there will be objects 
to represent the cities and countries. Scattered promiscu- 
ously through the rooms have these objects : a bunch of cigars 
to represent Havana ; a cup and saucer for China ; Manila paper 

69 



Novel Entertainments for 

for the chief city in the Philippines; a bowl of drippings for 
Greece ; a Noah's Ark for Newark ; a cake of Castile soap for 
Castile ; a cork for that town in the Emerald Isle ; a leghorn 
hat to indicate the city of that name; a string of corals for 
Naples; some macaroni for Italy; Brazil nuts to represent 
that country; a bottle of cologne for the city of the same 
name ; an orange, or a toy alligator, for Florida ; a picture of 
a pepper tree indicating California; tulips and wooden shoes 
for Holland; pieces of Delft, Sevres, and Dresden china to 
show the cities of those names ; for Wheeling, a toy bicycle or 
a picture of one ; a red letter C for the Red Sea, and a copy of 
'^The Eternal City" for Rome. There is almost no limit to 
the places that may be portrayed in this manner. 

When the allotted time for the trip is up, the hostess may 
award one or as many prizes as she sees best. There are all 
sorts of things suitable for these souvenirs; toy trains, steam- 
boats, trunks, suit cases, and bags. Allow twenty minutes for 
refreshments, which should be served in true lunch-counter 
style; tall dishes of fruit, sandwiches under glass cases, pie, 
doughnuts, and coffee, 



70 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER VIL-JULY 

A Fourth of July Tea 

EVERY one loves to celebrate the Fourth of July, no matter 
how great the protest against the noise. Of course it is 
always a day filled with more or less anxiety for the parents 
of growing children, but no one ever attempts to forget the 
'^glorious Fourth," for it is simply an impossibility to escape. 
-If you go to the country beforehand, all your city friends 
come for the day bringing ^'just a few fireworks for the chil- 
dren" ; if you stay in town, you vow you'll never do it again; so 
there you are. One philosophical hostess said that the shops 
showed such an alluring variety of novelties that were appro- 
priate only for the Fourth, that she had made it her custom 
for several years to wind up her season with a July Fourth 
party, and to fill the day so full of things to do that the chil- 
dren did not have very much time to be by themselves. Wise 
mother; here is the description of one of her affairs. 

Her house was in a suburb, and the cards read ^^from five 
o'clock until the last car goes." The porches and grounds 
were hung with myriads of paper lanterns, in red, white, and 
blue; there were flags everywhere, and drapery of red, white, 
and blue cheese cloth. For supper, which was served on the 
porch, there were cold chicken, tomato salad, sandwiches, 
devilled eggs, a most delicious sherbet made by crushing red 
currants, straining the juice, mixing with lemonade, and 
freezing; it was served in tall glasses on blue plates. The 
individual cakes were star-shaped with a tiny silk flag in each, 
and chocolate creams were wrapped in paper to resemble 
torpedoes, while peppermint sticks were done up exactly like 
firecrackers. Ice cream was moulded in shape of a cannon 
with a pile of chocolate cannon balls. This delighted the 
children, who lingered long over their dessert. 

71 



Novel Entertainments for 

After the tea and before it was dark enough for the fire- 
works, this amusement had been planned. A quarter of a 
dollar had been glued to a card, one for each guest; red 
pencils were attached to the white card by a blue cord. These 
were the questions; all the answers to be found on the coin: 

Part of a river? — Motdh. 

A hunted animal? — Hare (hair). 

An outline ? — Profile. 

An Eastern fruit ? — The date, 

Dutch flowers? — Tulips. 

The edge of a hill ? — Brow. 

The centre of crime? — I (eye). 

Twinkling lights ? — Stars. 

Impudence ? — Cheek. 

Meaning of ''understands" ? — Knows (nose). 

A great country ? — United States of A merica. 

An American coin ? — Quarter dollar. 

A large bird ? — Eagle. 

Part of a sentence ? — Clause (claws). 

What angels have ? — Wings. 

One out of many ? — E pluribus unum. 

What American citizens enjoy ? — Liberty. 

A spike of barley ? — Ear. 

Indian weapons? — Arrows. 

The prize for the man answering the most of these queries 
was a firecracker box containing a cigar; and the lady win- 
ning received the same kind of a box, but it contained a turn- 
over collar. She remarked that it was the first firecracker she 
had ever really enjoyed. 

Hints for the Fourth 

There are lovely postals, out made expressly for sending 
invitations to functions on this day, which are always of a 
rather informal character. They may be used as place cards 
and by being cut in pieces may be turned into puzzles. In 
crepe tissue paper there may be obtained napkins, doilies, and 
luncheon cloths for outdoor alBFairs. To delight the younger 
members of the family and incidentally their elders, invest in a 

72 



Every Day in the Year 

few large paper animals, which are to be inflated and sent 
sailing skyward. 

A Patriotic Party 

This was held one Fourth of July night at a house party. 
The questions were prepared almost impromptu, and per- 
haps were all the better for the short preparations, for every 
one's brain seemed in good working order. The idea was 
such a good one that I made a list of the interrogations for 
future reference. The company was divided into sides, and 
the first contest was to see which side could write down the 
names of all the Presidents in order, giving the full name of 
each. 

The second test was the agnomen, or additional name. 
The third test was the nicknames of cities and States. For 
the fourth trial, of how much they knew or did not know 
about their own country, a list was made of the ^^show places" 
of the United States. 

After this a programme of national airs was given, every 
one joining in. There was ^^ Dixie," "Marching thro' Geor- 
gia," "The Watch on the Rhine," "God Save the King," 
"The Marseillaise," "Blue Bells of Scotland," "America," 
"The Star-Spangled Banner," and "Yankee Doodle." For the 
benefit of the hostess all these lists are given. 

First and Second Tests — Presidents 

George Washington — Father of His Country. 

John Adams — The Colossus of Independence. 

Thomas Jefferson — The Sage of Monticello; the Writer of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

James Madison — The True Republican ; the Father of the Con- 
stitution. 

James Monroe — The Poor but Spotless President. 

John Quincy Adams — Old Man Eloquent. 

Andrew Jackson — Old Hickory ; the Fighting President. 

Martin Van Buren — Sage of Kinderhook; the Little Magician; 
the Shrewd Statesman. 

William Henry Harrison — Hero of Tippecanoe. 

John Tyler — First Accidental President. 



Novel Entertainments for 



James K. Polk — Young Hickory. 

Zachary Taylor — Old Buena Vista; Old Rough-and-Ready. 

Millard Fillmore — Second Accidental President. 

Franklin Pierce — The Yankee President. 

James Buchanan — The Bachelor President; Old Buck. 

Abraham Lincoln — The Rail SpKtter; the Great Emancipator; 
Honest Abe. 

Andrew Johnson — Third Accidental President; the Independent 
President. 

U. S. Grant — Unconditional Surrender; United States Grant; 
the Silent President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes — The Policy President. 

James A. Garfield — The Teacher President; the Towpath Boy. 

Chester A. Arthur — The Chesterfield of the White House; the 
Fourth Accidental President. 

Grover Cleveland — The Man of Destiny; the Tariff Reform 
President. 

Benjamin Harrison — The Conservative President. 

William McKinley — The Little Major; the Protective Tariff 
President. 

Theodore Roosevelt — Teddy, the Rough Rider; the Fifth 
Accidental President. 

Third Test — States and Cities 

What State Is known as the Badger State? Wisconsin. The Bay 
State? Massachusetts. The Bayou State ? Mississippi. The Bear 
State? Arkansas. The Creole State? Louisiana. The Diamond 
State? Delaware. The Empire State? New York. The Excel- 
sior State? New York. The Freestone State? Connecticut. 
The Granite State? New Hampshire. The Green Mountain State? 
Vermont. The Hawkeye State? Iowa. The Hoosier State? Ind- 
iana. The Keystone State? Pennsylvania. The Lake State? 
Michigan. The Lone Star State? Texas. The Lumber State? 
Maine. The Nutmeg State? Connecticut. The Old Dominion 
State? Virginia. The Old North State? North Carolina. The 
Palmetto State ? South Carolina. The Peninsula State ? Florida. 
The Prairie State? Illinois. 

What city is called the City of Magnificent Distances? Washing- 
ton, D. C. City of Brotherly Love? Philadelphia. City of 
Churches? Brooklyn. City of Elms? New Haven. The Hub? 
Boston. City of Rocks ? Nashville (Tennessee). City of Spindles ? 
Lowell (Massachusetts). City of Straits? Detroit. Crescent 
City? New Orleans. Empire City? New York. Fall City? 
Louisville. Flour City ? Rochester. Flower City ? Springfield 

74 



Every Day in the Year 

(Illinois). Forest City? Cleveland. Garden City? Chicago. Gate 
City? Keokuk (Iowa). Gotham? New York. Iron City? Pitts- 
burg. Monumental City? Baltimore. Mound City? St. Louis. 
Quaker City? Philadelphia. Queen City? Cincinnati. City of 
the Lakes? Buffalo. Railroad City? Indianapolis. Smoky City? 
Pittsburg. 

Fourth Test — Show Places 

Niagara Falls, Mammoth Cave, Yosemite Valley, Lake Superior, 
Brooklyn Bridge, Fairmount Park (Philadelphia), Capitol at Washington, 
Luray Cave, Natural Bridge over Cedar Creek (Virginia), Washington 
Monument, Central Park, and the Missouri River. 

The flowers used for decoration were red and white carna- 
tions and blue cornflowers. Poppies may be substituted for 
the red carnations, and violets at a pinch for the cornflowers. 
There is a variety of bachelor's buttons that is a real blue, and 
candytuft will do for the white. Each guest may be given a 
rosette of the tricolored ribbon for a souvenir. 

A Fourth of July Lawn Party 

There is always a fascination about a lawn party, and 
when given on our one really national holiday the interest is 
increased. Surround the grounds with arches of Japanese 
lanterns, or if practicable have the lawn wired for electric lights, 
but still use the lanterns, for nothing ever takes their place. 
The invitations may be written on small ^^Jap" doilies or 
napkins, and enclosed in a firecracker despoiled of its powder, 
or the toy firecrackers may be used. They come in all sizes. 
Candies are made in shape of crackers, the tiny sticks being 
wound with red paper and tied together in exact imitation of 
the real thing. Paper tablecloths and napkins are prepared 
especially for this day and, of course, should be used. Flags 
must be in evidence everywhere; the ones to be used as hair 
ornaments are of silk and most attractive. Then there are 
liberty bells, gunboats, cocked hats, drums, boxes in shape 
of packages of firecrackers, etc. — so many shapes that a hostess 
may have a large variety to choose from. These souvenirs 

75 



Novel Entertainments for 

add to the table decoration, so that nothing else is necessary, 
except a bowl in the centre containing red and white carnations 
with blue larkspur. Candles and ribbon come in red, white, 
and blue; candies will be made in these colors of pure fruit 
sugars, so there is no danger in eating them. A large bag of 
red, white, and blue tissue paper filled with bonbons and sus- 
pended with ribbon from a tree or porch makes great sport 
when each guest is allowed one strike with a cane, the person 
being blindfolded; when the bag finally bursts there is a scram- 
ble for the contents. These candies should be wrapped in 
red, white, and blue tissue paper with the ends fringed. Horns 
and flags should be provided, and a platform for dancing, if 
the party is a large one. 

It is a good plan for several friends to combine forces and 
give a party of this kind together, the men sharing the expense 
of the fireworks. All large department stores keep the flags 
of all nations, and it would make an interesting contest tcrhave 
specimens of these flags for the guests to see, and to the per- 
son who first correctly guesses a flag, award it as a prize. A 
very pretty porch decoration is to take fern hanging baskets 
and stick them full of small flags, hanging a *' Jap" lantern 
between them. Over the lemonade bowl suspend a huge 
parasol, with a small lantern hung from each rib; when 
lighted, the effect is lovely. Tie the sandwiches with tri- 
colored ribbon and ornament the individual cakes with a 
flag. Singing war songs, winding up with ^^ America," will 
bring this delightful lawn party to a close. It is needless to 
say that the children are included in this party; they will have 
to have the constant surveillance of their parents, anyhow, so 
the ^'grown-ups" might just as well enjoy a good time too, 
and the young people will be perfectly contented to stay at 
home in this bower of beauty which is, in reality, very inexpen- 
sive except for the time it takes to prepare. Let the children 
assist or hinder, whichever the case may be, and you will be 
able to keep them in sight all day, which is certainly worth 
the effort on this one day when the loyal mother must permit the 

76 




WAYS TO SERVE SHERBET, ICE CREAM OR CHARLOTTE RUSSE 



Every Day in the Year 

celebration, though her heart quakes within her. If any of the 
readers are contemplating lawn parties, wait until the Fourth 
and so kill two birds with one stone. 

Such affairs must be very informal — no ceremony and 
no elaborate dressing. 

A United States Party 

For a United States party decorate the rooms with the 
Stars and Stripes and bunting, or cheese cloth of red, white, 
and blue. The four or five-cent quality will answer every pur- 
pose and may be utilized for dust cloths afterwards or kept 
for July Fourth festivities. 

The scheme is to see how many States the guests will be 
able to recognize by the shape alone. To prepare these 
nameless maps, put a piece of carbon paper over a map and 
thus make two or three impressions^at the same time; paste 
these on lightweight cardboard, then^cut out the States. Give 
each person a ten-minute trial, then see who has correctly 
named the most. 

For a prize, a candy box (filled) in shape of ^' Uncle Sam," 
or a box covered with flag decoration is appropriate. 

Take good-sized potatoes and stick them full of tiny flags 
and suspend from the gas jets. They are really very effective. 
A confectioner will make red, white, and blue cream patties, 
or opera sticks, if the order is given a day or two beforehand. 
Ornament the cakes with small silk flags and tie the sand- 
wiches with tricolored ribbon. 

A Fourth of July Masquerade 

If possible give this party in a big barn with lanterns, 
flags, and liberty bells; the place may be gayly decorated, 
and a hay wagon may be sent for the guests. Provide horns 
and drums, and use red, white, and blue cheese xloth festoons. 

The host and hostess may be garbed as "Uncle Sam" and 

77 



Novel Entertainments for 

'Columbia/' the guests asked to represent the different 
States and cities, or to choose the characters with reference to 
something purely American. If the *' German" is danced 
there are a bewildering lot of favors to select — toy drums, 
cocked hats, guns, flags of all sizes, firecrackers, gun boats, 
liberty bells, crack and all, shields, eagles, and toy tents. In 
fact there is scarcely another special day for which the shop- 
keepers have provided such an abundance of objects. Serve a 
raspberry jrappe during the dance with cherries floating on 
top. 

Have prizes for the most unique costumes,, and wind up 
with a cake walk. An enormous cake decorated with tiny 
silk flags should be the reward of the couple whom the judges 
vote as doing the most intricate steps. Have an old-fashioned 
spread at midnight. 

A Summer Christmas Party 

That matron was surely abreast of the times who issued 
invitations to a dozen of her friends to come to a Summer 
Christmas Party to be held on her porch on a day in mid- 

July. 

Each guest was asked to contribute a new idea for a Christ- 
mas present and to bring her thimble. Here is what those 
bidden to this unusual party found: In the first place the 
porch chairs, tables, and a wicker couch were covered with 
snowy white towels and spreads, and all the pillows were 
white. Great bunches of wild grasses filled wall pockets and 
jardinUres, and they had been dipped in a solution of alum 
water to resemble frost-touched foliage. At one end of the 
porch was a sure enough Christmas rose, transplanted from 
its home in the forest six months too soon but looking the part 
with glass icicles hanging from its branches and a plentiful 
sprinkling of diamond dust. 

The other end of the porch had a table on which rested a 
bowl filled with claret cup ; a great cake of ice in it held a bunch 

78 



Every Day in the Year 

of mint, the only touch of color on the snowy scene, as the 
hostess and all her guests wore white, even to their shoes. 

After all had arrived the ideas for presents were given, 
each taking her turn. These suggestions were discussed pro and 
con, and a list made for future reference. Then the hostess 
produced a pile of white tarlatan stockings with a spool of 
silver thread for buttonholing, and explained that these self- 
same stockings would be put away to be filled with popcorn 
and candy and be sent to the charity wards of several big city 
hospitals. The guests all asked for the^-privilege of having 
another party to fill the stockings. 

For refreshments there were individual plum puddings 
made from gelatine, filled full of all sorts of fruits and nuts; 
a sprig of artificial holly was laid on each plate. White cakes 
cut star-shape, and peppermint bars completed this dainty 
spread. 



79 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER VIIL- AUGUST 

An Arctic Luncheon 

EVEN in the dog days there is little diminution in the 
way of entertaining, save that a very informal manner 
pervades all social functions. There are delightful 
dinners after automobile trips, and porch parties are often 
preceded by a luncheon. This Arctic aiBfair, evolved by a young 
hostess forced to remain in the city all summer was a jolly 
scheme worthy of emulation by others in a like situation. The 
invitations were exceedingly clever, having an air-ship 
headed for a snow mountain on which a polar bear stood hold- 
ing a flag, on which were the words, ^* North Pole.'' Then 
there were bulletins scattered over the page, purporting to be 
wireless messages saying *^ Twenty degrees below," ^* Fifty 
degrees below," etc. The name '^Wellman" was printed on 
the airship, and a man in the ship carried a United States 
flag. 

There were only six guests; each one had been requested 
to appear in a white gown, and there was a ten-cent fine (for 
charity) for any one who mentioned hot weather. Beyond 
this, the unique notes gave no indication of the nature of the 
entertainment. 

On arriving, iced grape juice charged with seltzer and a 
dash of lemon juice was served. In a few moments the dining- 
room doors were opened, revealing the coolest place imagin- 
able. The draperies were all of white, chairs were covered 
with white cloth, and the floor had white canvas stretched over 
it from side to side; sheets stitched together will answer this 
purpose admirably. A huge cake of ice formed the centre- 
piece, surmounted by a group of toy polar bears. Ferns and 
vines were massed around the base of this iceberg concealing 
the pan which held it. At either end of the table there were 

80 



Every Day in the Year 

globes of goldfish. The candles were white, in glass holders, 
with shades plentifully sprinkled with diamond dust, which 
glittered on the tablecloth as if just kissed by Jack Frost. 

Glass icicles of various lengths were hung from the over- 
head light and the dearest of Eskimo dolls drew tiny sleds 
at the place of each guest, bearing the name card. 

Then a delicious ^^ white" menu was served from pure 
white china. First, iced bouillon in glasses, then cold breast 
of chicken, Saratoga chips, baking-powder biscuits, pear and 
pineapple salad with whipped cream dressing, iced tea, and 
cantaloupe filled with grape fruit and maraschino cherries 
completed the feast, with the usual accessories of side dishes. 
The bonbons were white French sugar-dipped cherries in 
individual white paper cases; the olives were ripe instead of 
the variety usually served, and there was a toothsome mango 
preserve. The guests were asked to relate the coldest experi- 
ence they had ever had, and there were large thermometers hung 
conspicuously about the room with the mercury fixed to stay 
below zero. 

An Angler's Supper 

A LONELY summer widower strolled into a confectioner's 
shop to buy the weekly^box of sweets to send to the children at 
the shore, and was so fascinated by the alluring display of sea 
novelties for dinner favors that he decided to give a stag party 
to his fishing chums who were, like himself, detained in town. 
In consequence, copies of the following note found their way 
to the men in question: 

There will be a reunion of the Fishers Six at my shack on Monday 
night at seven o'clock. The requirements are old clothes and a brand 
new story. No twice-told tales will answer. 

The Lone Fisherman. 

On the appointed night, the dining-room walls were hung 
with fish nets in which toy fish of different sizes were caught. 
There were globes of goldfish on the mantel and sideboard, 
but the centrepiece was the pUce de resistance; on it the 

8i 



Novel Entertainments for 

angler had expended all his energy. There was a long pan 
constructed by an obliging tinsmith, filled with water, the 
edges concealed by moss, vines, and ferns; real sand made a 
most realistic shore, with pebbles and shells. Two boats 
were apparently crossing the lake toward a tiny tent which 
was pitched at the head of the table. A miniature hunter with 
gun and a fisherman with rod were wandering on the shore, 
and there were actually the remains of a camp-fire, made from 
charred matches. Frogs, turtles, and lobsters sported in the 
grass and were scattered over the tablecloth; also crabs, 
which w^ere entangled in some sea moss. There were oysters 
in the shell, clams, and even starfish, while each place card 
was a different variety of fish. Overhead bamboo fishing poles 
had been crossed, and red lanterns hung from them, which 
gave just the right glow to the room. The menu was com- 
posed entirely of sea food, and the guests lingered until the 
wee small hours recounting yams that would have raised old 
Izaak Walton's hair could he have listened to these twentieth- 
century fishermen. 

An English Garden Party 

This is the favorite mode of entertaining during the sum , 
mer season across the water. Our English cousins always 
live up to their outdoor privileges; each afternoon a gay party 
is assembled on some one's lawn listening to the music and 
sipping the inevitable cup of tea — first, last, and always tea, 
so the men have the habit as well as the gentler sex. WTien 
the hour comes every one is as anxious for his cup as if he 
had not seen or tasted the grateful beverage for a fortnight. 

Spread rugs on the lawn and steps, place a tabouret or two 
in convenient places, with tea tables under huge Japanese 
umbrellas. Ask several attractive girls to pour, and with a 
couple of stringed instruments concealed behind a screen of 
palms, you have the properties required for a successful gar- 
den party. English mufiSns freshly toasted, orange marmalade, 

82 



Every Day 



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Novel Entertainments for 

oatmeal cakes, orange and ginger (candied) , and stuffed dates 
are adjuncts which may be served. Tea is given with all its 
accompaniments of lemon, arrack, rum, and cherries; also 
cream and sugar for the few who still prefer it. Sometimes 
if the weather is very warm, an ice is offered, or a frappe. 
Also very thin sandwiches and salted nuts. 

A Unique Luncheon 

One hot day in August a young matron who had asked six 
friends to luncheon suddenly found herself without a maid. 
She was equal to the occasion, however, and said nothing to 
her guests about the very important missing member of her 
household. Before going to the dining-room each girl was 
handed a ribbon bow, to which was attached a safety pin, and 
told to find her place by matching the colors at the places. It 
did not take long to appropriate the pretty aprons with the 
strings of ribbon to match each bow. They were made of large 
colored handkerchiefs, and the point forming the bib was pin- 
ned up by the safety pin and bow. Anchovy canapes was the 
first course. After they were eaten the hostess turned to the 
guest at her right and said: ^^Look under your plate and do 
what the card says." And the little card bore this request: 
^^ Please remove the plates and bring in the soup." Amid 
much merriment this was accomplished, the bouillon being 
already on a tray over the gas, which was turned low. Another 
guest removed the cups and brought in the next course. 
Minute directions were on each card. The hostess did not 
find it necessary to leave the table, and the absence of the maid 
was voted to have made the party a great success. Every one 
declared that the aprons were the most acceptable of souvenirs. 

An August Luncheon 

Ten young matrons were the recipients of rather unique 
invitations for a luncheon which was given last week. The 

84 



Every Day in the Year 

postman delivered the notes, which were sent on large sheets 
of paper folded and sealed with wax bearing the signet of the 
hostess. She said the idea came to her when she found some 
letters written by her great-grandfather in the early years of 
the nineteenth century. The notes said: 

^^Will Mistress Mary Pembroke array herself in her best 
cotton gown and appear at the residence of Mistress Margaret 
Kent on Friday at the hour of one, to meet an assembly of 
young matrons ? 

^^Will she put her thimble in her reticule to help sew upon 
much-needed garments for the children of the poor?" 

On the day appointed the guests were ushered into a dining- 
room which was literally transformed into an old-fashioned 
garden. There were tall hollyhocks in the corner, standing in 
huge brown stone crocks, trailing vines on the plate rails, and 
large bowls of nasturtiums on the mantelpiece. The table was 
set with goldband china, an heirloom in the family, and the 
menu was prepared from recipes taken from a very old family 
cookbook. 

After the repast the hostess told of the great need for new 
clothes for the little children who were taken to the various 
fresh-air sanatoriums, and she produced a bolt of material 
from which to make nightgowns and small slips. The young 
mothers were greatly interested, and decided to meet once a 
week during the summer to sew for these unfortunate babies. 
As one guest said: ^Tt is n't half bad not to be able to leave 
town, if one just keeps busy and interested." And another 
one said: '*It is heaps better to all be hot together doing 
something, than to stay at home trying to keep cool," and so 
the good work for charity goes on. 

A Sand Party 

Quite the most novel entertainment in the way of an affair 
for children was a Sand party given by a mother for her 
little girl's third birthday. It was at the seashore, a lovely 

85 



Novel Entertainments for 

beach on Long Island, but the idea is applicable to any one 
having a sand pile in the back yard, or the children could go to 
a lake, where the sand is usually clean and dry except after a 
recent rain. 

Previous to the arrival of the little guests make a huge 
mound of sand, in it hiding all sorts of treasures. Articles 
may be found at the five and ten-cent stores, at the favor 
counters, and at Japanese stores. When the children arrive 
give each one a small shovel such as come with tin pails for 
five cents. Stick as many flags in the sand as there are children, 
and tell each one to choose a flag and begin digging at that 
spot. As the treasures are found the excitement becomes in- 
tense. After all have dug up two, three or four objects, as the 
limit may be, the pails are produced and the party will pro- 
ceed to amuse themselves. Serve a regular picnic supper, with 
the addition of a birthday cake and ice cream. 

A pretty idea of arranging the candles, is to have the usual 
number of *^year" candles on the cake, then around it in a 
circle have a candle for each child in a tiny candlestick to 
be taken home as a souvenir. These diminutive holders come 
in green and yellow ware and are very decorative. They are 
useful on bedroom night trays and for the desk to hold the 
sealing-wax taper. 



86 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER IX.- SEPTEMBER 

A Labor-Day Party 

THE first Monday in September is now recognized in 
most parts of the United States as Labor Day; 
this means with most people the end of vacation and 
return to the desk, schoolroom, or whatever the especial 
calling may be. 

A hostess having this thought in mind asked a few intimate 
friends to spend the evening, and asked each one to wear an 
article indicative of his labor. This was most amusing, and 
it was really surprising to see how ingeniously each had worked 
out the idea. For example, the teacher appeared with a ruler, 
pencil, pad of paper, several books, and a tiny bow and arrow 
attached to her belt as a chatelaine. It was some time ere any 
one understood what the last two articles represented, when she 
replied that they were ^^to teach young America how to shoot.'' 
The banker appeared with bags filled with toy coins, green- 
backs, and bank books; the druggist with bottles, and all 
sorts of patent medicine advertisements pinned on his coat; 
paint brushes and palette adorned the artist; the electrician 
had an electric lantern which he flashed in all dark corners. 

But the dining-room table was certainly an example of 
household labor: the centrepiece was a toy washtub with 
wringer attached; a small doll was apparently washing clothes. 
A clothes-line extended to small poles at the four corners of the 
table, and tiny garments were pinned on with diminutive clothes- 
pins. The place cards were tied to various household and 
kitchen articles; small brooms, kettles, pans, even wee lamps 
and candles. The hostess said to keep the spirit of the day 
every one would have to work; so aprons and caps were sup- 
plied for men and a chafing-dish supper was served. 

87 



Novel Entertainments for 



An Indian Dinner 

This party was given by a hostess who rejoiced in a coun- 
try place by the side of a beautiful inland lake near a large 
city. 

The invitations were folded in the shape of a tent, and on 
the inside they requested the guests to come in ^^tub" suits; 
a time-table of the suburban trains w^as also inclosed, a bit of 
thoughtfulness much appreciated by most of the recipients. 
They were met at the station by the two young sons of the 
household, garbed in real Indian suits, with an abundance of 
war paint and feathers. There were two tents in the back 
yard, and between them a table with benches awaited the 
arrival of the ^^ enemy." There were camp-fires in the sand, 
one for roasting potatoes, the other for corn, while a third 
was presided over by an expert woodsman, where fish right 
from the lake were broiling. A game of archery on the law^n 
sharpened the appetites, and it is needless to say that this 
real camp supper was fully enjoyed. The table was decorated 
with Indian beadwork, the place cards were Indian souvenir 
post cards, and the bread was passed in baskets of Indian 
weaving, also the berries. There were squares of stiff paper 
for wrapping around the blackened but delicious potatoes as 
they were drawn from the coals, and for the ears of corn. Mel- 
ons of all varieties constituted the dessert, with any number of 
berry pies. As the twilight waned and the stars appeared, 
the fires were rekindled, long sticks were provided, marsh- 
mallows were roasted, songs sung; and it was the last train to 
town that conveyed a tired but merry party back to the con- 
ventionalities of civilized life. 



A Maizepop Party 

The very latest invention for autumn entertainment is 
the "Maizepop'' party. It has an exceedingly novel sound, 
but it is only the English for '^popcorn." 

SS 



Every Day in the Year 

Just recently our popcorn has been introduced into Eng- 
land by two enterprising Americans under the name of ^* Maize- 
pop/' and is being received with great eclat. In consequence, 
our plebeian popcorn has taken a decided rise in artistic circles. 

Send out the invitations in green crepe paper ears of corn. 
For decorations the red and white ears of corn hung in festoons 
over grills and doorways are very effective. Pass each guest 
an ear of corn, with a wooden plate such as grocers use; let 
him shell and count the grains, keeping count of the number; 
then pour the contents into a large receptacle. Each person 
makes a guess as to the number, the one coming nearest getting 
a prize. Then have poppers for the men, and some shelled 
popcorn. When a good-sized bowlful is popped, give each a 
needle and thread with ribbons of different colors, a half-inch 
in width. The girls make watch chains for the men, and the 
men make necklaces for the girls, by sewing grains of popcorn 
to the ribbon. Partners are found for refreshments or for 
whatever contest the hostess has provided, by matching a 
necklace and a ribbon. 

For refreshments serve a cream corn soup ; cornmeal gems ; 
bowls of mush with cream ; parched, salted, and buttered corn, 
instead of nuts; popcorn balls, and, if not too late, corn on 
the cob. This affair is adaptable to the needs of a young 
people's church society. 

A New England Breakfast 

A HOSTESS who had spent the Summer at a Massachusetts 
coast resort issued invitations for this breakfast to eight of her 
friends, the hour being half past eleven. The spread was 
so unusual that the guests were delighted. With the exception 
of a few added frills, the hostess said it was the breakfast 
which was served her on Sunday mornings by one of the fore- 
most of New England housekeepers. The table was spread 
with a plain damask cloth ; a glass bowl filled with pink and 
crimson dahlias was the centrepiece. There were no candles 

89 



Novel Entertainments for 

or artificial lights. On either end of the table ther6 were old- 
fashioned latticed china dishes, filled with various fruits. These 
were passed, then white cornmeal mush in blue Canton bowls 
was served with cream and sugar, hot rolls, codfish balls, 
scrambled eggs, Boston baked beans in brown earthenware 
ramakins, and genuine Boston brown bread, followed by hot 
doughnuts, cream cookies, and coffee, which the hostess 
poured herself. 

After this innovation in gastronomy, the hostess showed a 
rare collection of New England antiques, heelless slippers, lace 
collars, and silver spoons. One of the latter had a much worn 
point from stirring custards ; the handle bore the initials of the 
eldest daughter in the family for many generations, and had 
just come into the possession of the hostess. 

Decorations for an Autumn Dinner Table 

In Scotland and some of the far north countries September 
is called the Harvest Month ; and when the last sheaf is gar- 
nered they call it ^^ the old woman, ^' or ^'harvest witch." In the 
north of Scotland this bundle is dressed up to represent an old 
woman with a sickle fastened in her apron, and set in the 
middle of the table to preside over the harvest-home festivities. 
This idea may be enlarged upon and carried out at a fall dinner, 
using small farm implements for favors, a ^'horn of plenty,'' 
filled with fruit or flowers, and a miniature sheaf of wheat at 
each place. 

Another appropriate centrepiece would be a farm wagon 
driven by a boy doll and laden with hay, the horses decorated 
with flowers and bells, as was the custom in olden times; if 
toy oxen can be found to draw the cart, so much the better. A 
procession of little dolls with hoes and sickles should follow the 
wagon. 

An Indian Luncheon 

The invitations for this charming affair were printed on 
birch bark, the size of visiting cards, and sent by mail in a 

90 



Every Day 



in the Year 




Novel Entertainments for 

tiny white envelope. On arriving, the guests were seated at 
small tables, each of which was ornamented with a birch-bark 
canoe filled with violets. The canoes were kept upright by a 
pin through the bottom stuck lightly into the table. The 
place cards were little tomahawks, with the name written on 
the handle. The menu was simple but delicious: chicken 
croquettes, potatoes in ramekins, olives, green peas in white 
paper cases, hot rolls, salted pecans in tiny Indian baskets, 
ice cream and strawberries in tall glasses, cake, and cofifee 
served in demi-tasse. Colored prints of Indians taken from 
Mackinac postals were pasted on light gray cardboard; at- 
tached to them were pencils on strips of leather ornamented with 
beads. At the tops of these progammes the words ^^The 
Indian in Literature" gave the guests a clew as to the scheme 
of the entertainment. A large table containing the following 
objects long puzzled the brains of the participants : 

1. A birch-bark canoe, containing two Indian figures seated, with 
name '^Mona'' on the canoe — '^Ramona." 

2. Picture of Longfellow on one corner of a card bearing prints of an 
Indian brave and an Indian girl — Hiawatha and Minnehaha. 

3. The word *^La" over the picture of the Czar — '^Lazarre." 

4. An Indian moccasin — ''The Last of the Mohicans." 

5. A snow shovel — ''The Pathfinder." 

6. A leather stocking — ''The Leather Stocking Tales." 

7. A tiny doll's corset, and a bow and arrow — "The Deer Slayer." 

A prize of a fine framed photogravure of Hiawatha was 
the first reward; an Indian bag of chamois and beads was 
the second; a paper knife ornamented with an Indian in 
bronze was the third. The hostess was the possessor of many 
fine pieces of pottery made by the Indians, which added greatly 
to the decorative scheme carried out in the dining-room. 

A short programme of ballads finished a most delightful 
afternoon. 



92 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER X.- OCTOBER 

A Nut Party 

OCTOBER with its frosts makes nut parties in the 
country seasonable. For the unfortunate mortals 
who cannot enjoy a genuine outdoor party, the next 
best is to have one in the house. Decorate with autumn 
foliage, and make the rooms assume just as woodsy an aspect 
as possible. 

After the guests have arrived, have a lot of old ^'chestnuts" 
played and sung, such as "Annie Rooney," "Only a Pansy 
Blossom," "After the Ball," etc. This will make much 
merriment and the songs will be classed as "musical chestnuts." 
Then pass acorn-shaped booklets, containing the following 
questions. The answer to each query is the name of a nut. 

1. Its first syllable is a spring vegetable — Peanut. 

2. The penalty of tight shoes — Acorn. 

3. A souvenir of South America — A Brazil nid. 

4. Its first part is a barrier of brick or stone — Walnut. 

5. Two-thirds of it makes our daily bread acceptable — Butternut. 

6. Its first half is a beverage — Cocoanut. 

7. Two boys' nicknames — Phil-hert. 

8. Part of the human body forms the first syllable — Chestnut. 

9. A letter of the alphabet and a utensil of tin — Pecan. 

10. The first syllable is a color of the human eye — Hazelnut. 

After this contest a nut hunt might be conducted; the 
hunter finding the most nuts to receive a copy of "Opening of 
a Chestnut Burr," and "Twice Told Tales" for the consola- 
tion prize. 

A Harvest-Home Frolic 

Ask the guests to come in country costumes, such as a 
village belle, a typical old maid, and the village gossip, for the 
girls; country dudes, farmers, store-keepers, etc., for the men. 

93 



Novel Entertainments for 

If convenient invite them to supper, which can be served at 
small tables, the rooms decorated with sheaves of wheat, 
stalks of corn, pumpkins, squashes, and ears of corn. Use lan- 
terns, lamps, and candles for lights, and afterwards have a 
cotillion danced in a big barn if practicable, with aprons, 
straw hats for the men, sunbonnets for the girls, and all sorts 
of farm implements and garden tools for favors. Have cider 
to drink. At midnight a corn roast will wind up the festivities. 
Send the guests home in a hay wagon. A corn-shucking con- 
test may be arranged, with a prize for the one who finds the 
first red ear. All colored ears are considered to bring luck to 
the finders. 

A vote may be taken as to the best costumes, and prizes 
awarded. This will add an interesting feature. 

A Hallowe'en Party 

Each year entertaining on Hallowe'en, which comes on 
October 31, becomes more and more popular. 

To those who ask the significance of this day we answer 
that, like all festival days now having apparently only a secular 
interpretation, it had a religious origin. From time imme- 
morial it has been the custom to celebrate the last day of Oc- 
tober, Hallow Eve, or E'en, as it is generally called. It is 
held in tradition that, long ere the Wise Men of the East 
proclaimed the birth of Christ, a great festival was held on this 
day by Druid priests. As the nations became Christianized 
the day was called ^^All Hallow" because it preceded All 
Saints' Day. To come down to modern times, this day is 
regarded by old and young as the day par excellence on which 
to entertain. 

There are so many ways to amuse, so many schemes to try, 
that one evening is far too short to do them all, so the hostess 
must adapt what is best suited to her own company. 

Two hundred years ago it was customary to build huge 
bonfires on the hills to proclaim that majestic and sacred rites 

94 



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Every Day in the Year 

were being performed, and it was a season of great rejoicing; 
so a huge fire of logs is a desirable attribute to a Hallowe'en 
party. Many a city house or flat can boast of only a gas log, 
but be sure to light it, using candles only for illumination. Of 
course, Jack-o'-Lanterns must glow from every available cor- 
ner, from mantel and bookcase; in fact, every spot capable 
of holding it should bear a grinning ''Jack." 

Have popcorn to be popped by the guests, dishes filled with 
red apples, and bowls of nuts to crack. On this one night 
Fate gives an opportunity to peer into the future and divine 
the course of true love. Tassels from corn ears are named by 
the maidens, then placed over the door, and the man first 
to pass under the one bearing his name is supposed to be the 
life partner of the girl who named it. 

Bobbing for apples is a stunt so old that no one seems 
able to tell its origin, but no Hallowe'en party is complete 
without it. Fill a small tub with water, put in eight or ten 
apples, first having inserted in one of them a ring, in another a 
thimble, in a third a coin, and in one a button. Thus will 
the fate of four persons be decided on the spot. 

The ''candle'' fortune is always popular. Place lighted 
candles in an open window, and the one which burns the 
longest is the one who will remain faithful to the end; of 
course the candles are silently named before being lit. A 
"Dutch" lunch served at midnight is attractive. Brown and 
rye bread, cider, coffee, potato salad with grilled herring, 
olives, cheese, and a great "mystery" cake. This cake is 
cut by lot, it being considered an honor to cut the first slice. 
T-side the cake are tiny white bags inserted before baking or 
: ng, containing flour, which indicates a rich marriage; sugar, 
si unifying a love match; corn meal, which shows that the 
:ipient will have to work for a living, and three empty bags, 
^vaich foretell single-blessedness for the next year. 

In the way of quotations for place cards, the hostess has 
a store of riches from which to draw by consulting Shakes- 
» are or Burns. 

95 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Hallowe'en Brownie Party 

People of all ages love to celebrate on Hallowe'en, and this 
party is especially adapted to children between the ages of eight 
and twelve. If not more than a dozen guests are invited, ask 
them to supper and send them all home promptly at nine o'clock. 

On the little pumpkin-shaped cards besides the hour 
and date write: ^^This season of the year is to the Brownie's 
heart most dear." Have a pumpkin centrepiece filled with 
fruit, and a ring of little Brownie figures around it, one for 
each child. Light the rooms with Jack-o'-Lanterns, and serve 
a simple supper of creamed chicken, baked potatoes, egg 
salad with crackers, cocoa, with little individual pumpkin pies. 
Let the children bob for apples, burn nuts, and have a supply 
of popcorn. Tell them harmless ghost stories, and give a 
description of how Hallowe'en originated and how the day 
is celebrated in other countries. It is surprising how interested 
children are in facts, and the many legends pertaining to this 
interesting time are all fascinating. If not too much trouble, 
the guests may be asked to come in Brownie costumes. Japan- 
ese paper masks may be used, or the mothers can make them 
of cloth. Have the words to a Brownie jingle that will be 
good to read to the little folks, or set to a simple tune for them 
to sing. 

Hallowe'en Charms 

For a party at which there were twelve guests the hostess 
prepared twelve tiny satin bags tied with ribbon. Inside each 
one there was a narrow folded strip of paper bearing one of the 
following inscriptions. These ^^ charms" were given as the 
young people departed, and were supposed to have been blessed 
by Titania, queen of the fairies: 

*^Keep this charm next your heart; it will bring you a friend 
when in need." 

*^This charm in your right shoe worn, will help your 
troubles to be borne." 

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Every Day in the Year 

^^Keep this charm in your left-hand pocket; it will provide 
delightful surprises." 

^^Hide this charm in your favorite book; it will bring 
pleasant memories." 

'^Gaze upon this talisman each morning; it means happi- 
ness for you." 

^^Worn in your glove, this charm will bring a kindly greeting 
from every one you meet." 

"Toss this charm over your head three times; it brings 
good luck." 

"Hold this charm to your eyes; you will then gaze on 
beautiful things." 

"Seven nights hold this to your ears; you will hear sweet 
sounds." 

"Place this charm on the back of your left hand to insure 
you happiness for life." 

"Bind this charm on the first oak tree you see, and your 
heart's most ardent wish will come true." 

"Carry this charm in your purse; it will then never be 
empty." 

The Egg Fortune 

For this potent formula for peering into the future an 
absolutely new-laid egg is necessary. Drop the white only 
into a glass of cold water. A clever seer will then foretell the 
future from the queer shapes which the albumen assumes. 



The Yarn Test 

Here is a very simple method of determining one's future 
partner in life. It is called the "yarn" test. At the stroke 
of midnight the girls must all go upstairs, the men remaining 
in the hall below. Then each maid in turn drops a ball of 
light blue yarn over the banister. Of course she must hold 

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Novel Entertainments for 

tightly to one end of the yarn and remain unseen when she 
throws it down. The men scramble for the ball, and when the 
yarn is drawn taut by the girl above, the one who gets it must 
reply by giving his true name when the unseen holder says, 
^^Who holds?" If he recognizes her voice, so much in their 
favor ; if the girl drops the end she holds, she will remain un- 
married ; if the yarn breaks she will not marry any of the men 
present on this occasion. This test is always sure to provide 
a happy ending to the party, and it is also a means of pairing the 
guests for refreshments or for any game where it is necessary 
to choose partners. 

Telling Fortunes 

Fortunes may be told by the traditional ^^ three bowls." 
Place three bowls, or saucers (as they are more convenient), 
on a table, one filled with water, one with milk, and the other 
empty. Each maiden is then blindfolded, turned around 
three times, and started in the direction. of the bowls. If she 
dips her finger in the water, she will marry a bachelor, if in the 
milk her husband will be a widower, while if her finger touches 
the empty dish, she is fated to remain single. After each one 
makes the test the order of the bowls must be changed, so as 
to prevent those who watch from knowing which is which. 

A Hallowe^en Frolic 

The invitations were on bat-shaped bits of black cardboard; 
written in white ink was the following bit of doggerel : 

"Come at the witching hour of eight, 
And let the fairies read your fate ; 
Reveal to none this secret plot, 
Or woe — not luck — will be your lot." 

On arriving, the door opened without any visible human 
effort, and in the darkness a white hand pointed the way up- 
stairs. It was cut out of cardboard, fastened to a stick, and 

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Every Day in the Ye 



a r 



nailed to the wall. Grinning pumpkin Jack-o'-Lanterns were 
on the stair landings, and in the dressing-rooms each guest 
was provided with a sheet and a Japanese paper mask and 
cap. Another hand pointed upward to the attic, and here all 
the usual Hallowe'en jokes were played, and the hostess 
received her guests, dressed like a ghost, with dough face 
and skull cap. The attic was hghted by candles, Jacks, and 
burning alcohol in brass basins; the latter makes a ghastly 
blue flame. 

Whenever two guests recognized each other, masks were 
removed. When all were known, they descended to the 
lower rooms for dancing. At eleven, refreshments were served, 
nuts were burned in the grate fire, and fortunes were told by 
the hostess giving each guest an English walnut, saying: 

"Hold above a candle what is found within, 
Careful not to scorch it — that would be a sin." 

Candles were brought in, and within each nut was found a 
folded bit of apparently blank paper. When held over the 
candle flame words began to appear. This is done by writing 
with invisible ink or lemon juice, which leaves no sign on the 
paper until submitted to heat. The fortunes are written to suit 
the guests, the hostess being acquainted with them sufficiently 
to make this interesting. 

The old jingle telling one's fortune by the number of seeds 
contained m an apple is repeated here for the benefit of the 
many who may have forgotten. This is one of the favorite 
methods of telling Hallowe'en fortunes: 

"One, I love; two, I love; 
Three, I love, I say; 
Four, I love with all my heart; 
Five, I cast away; 
Six, he loves; seven, she loves; 
Eight, they both agree; 
Nine, he comes; ten, he tarries; 
Eleven, he courts; twelve, he marries." 

• 99 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Hallowe'en Masquerade 

Now for the merry carnival of hobgoblins, Brownies, fairies, 
witches, owls, cats, and bats who are waiting for their annual 
reunion on October 31. 

A very pretty party is a Hallowe'en masquerade. Send the 
invitations on Salem witch postal cards ; they are just the thing 
for an affair of this kind. Ask each guest to appear in the 
character designated, naming a witch, fairy, bat, owl, cat, 
ghost, sprite, etc. A Japanese cap and mask may be sent 
to each one; they are of paper, very light and inexpensive. 
When the guests all wear them the effect is amusing in the 
extreme. 

After dancing for an hour unmask and try the old Hallowe'en 
tricks. They always assume new interest each year, and there 
is always a first time for some one in the party; the old love 
story is ever new, and the oracles are nearly always propitious 
if the hostess is clever in consulting the fates beforehand. Of 
course, there must be a fortune cake; and the regulation 
refreshments are apples, nuts, cider, popcorn, sandwiches, 
coffee, and individual pies. 

A prize may be awarded to the guest who guesses the most 
maskers, and one to the person who remains the longest incognito. 
Have the supper-room lighted entirely by candles and platters 
of alcohol in which there is salt. The light thus made will be 
ghastly and weird in the extreme. Put good fat raisins into 
the platters; they are what our English cousins call ^' snap- 
dragons." The person who can grab a raisin out of the flame 
will be lucky and free from evil spirits during the ensuing year. 

Suggestions for the Hallowe'en Table 

For the benefit of those who cannot buy favors and novel- 
ties, the following ideas may be carried out and made at home 
with very satisfactory results. Carefully hollow out good- 
sized oranges after removing the top; place a small candle 

100 



Every Day 



in the Year 




Novel Entertainments for 

inside in a holder made of four slender nails and replace the 
top. These are charming to put at each place. Put them on 
plates that are covered with autumn leaves in lieu of doilies. 

Tissue paper of a deep orange tint is most eflFective when 
put over gas jets and electric shades. It may be decorated 
with black devils, witches, cats, and owls ; if one cannot draw 
and cut these out they may nearly all be found by watching 
advertisements; paste them on the under side of the paper. 

For a centrepiece take a good-sized pumpkin, hollow it out, 
cut a handle, wind a vine around it, and fill with fruit; the 
different varieties of grapes are especially pretty. 

Fortune-telling peanuts are prepared by taking out the 
nuts and putting in a tightly folded slip of paper on which are 
written such words as "journey," "wealth," "success," 
"brunette," "blonde," etc. Mix these nuts with others and 
they will cause much amusement. 

A fortune pumpkin is made after the manner of a Jack 
Horner pie. Get the largest pumpkin obtainable, fill it with 
bran in which all sorts of favors are wrapped in tissue paper 
tied with narrow ribbon, a different color for each guest. 
Bring all the ribbons out of the top, radiating to each place. 
At a given signal all pull and the parcels come out. 

Red is the color most in evidence at Hallowe'en parties, 
for it is particularly disliked by the witches. The use of red 
in the decorations was supposed to frighten evil spirits away. 
A red cover is permissible on the table on this night in place 
of the customary snowy cloth. 

A delightfully grotesque decoration for a dining-room is to 
make ten or more Jacks from various-sized pumpkins, and 
suspend them from the ceiling over the table by pumpkin- 
colored ribbons. The guests are always delighted when 
ushered into a room lighted in this manner. For the centre- 
piece have a pumpkin Jack with faces cut in all four sides. 
Tiny Cinderella slippers and candy mice are appropriate for 
favors with this decoration. 

In a large house that afforded ample room for dancing a 

I02 



Every Day in the Year 

Hallowe'en masquerade was given. The guests were requested 
to appear in costumes representing either vegetables or fruit. 
The house was decorated with autumn foliage; cornstalks, 
sheaves of wheat, and vegetables were utilized as candlesticks, 
and festoons were made of red and white ears of corn. At 
eleven o'clock supper was served, and after that all sat around 
the fireplace and told ghost stories until the hour of mid- 
night tolled from the town clock. 

A Luncheon Menu for Hallowe^en 

Carrot puree, served in cup covered with pumpkin yellow crepe paper 

Oyster patties Saratoga potatoes Olives 

Nuts Hot biscuits Celery 

Lobster salad in pumpkin holders Cheese wafers 

Cider jrappe in red apple cases Fortune cake, fruit, candy, and nuts 

Black coffee 
Decorations: A circle of witch dolls and black cats. 

A Hallowe'en Dinner 

The dinner described below was given for ten guests, who 
were most enthusiastic over the novelty of the affair. Jack- 
o'-Lanterns and candles made the only lights, and the effect was 
weird enough. The Jacks stood on top of china cabinets, 
serving table, and tabourets placed in the corners of the rooms ; 
interspersed were candles in sticks made from carrots, turnips, 
and potatoes. 

The table centrepiece was a Jack-o'-Lantern with a face cut 
on all four sides, so the light was evenly distributed. Around 
this candles were placed in holders made from carrots, flat 
turnips, and potatoes. Beautiful autumn leaves were laid on 
the tablecloth, interspersed with dainty vines. Small Brownie 
figures bore the name cards, on which was written ^^This season 
of the year is to the Brownie's heart most dear." 

The unique menu cards were made by the hostess, each 
being different in decoration. Cards of white, ten inches long, 

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Novel Entertainments for 

five inches wide, were used. On one of these at irregular 
intervals were pumpkins, which had been cut out and pasted 
on; another had autumn leaves; Brownies formed another 
ornamentation; and cabbages graced one card. (In olden 
times Hallowe'en was called Cabbage Night.) Bunches of 
grapes made very effective cards. The hostess said she had 
collected most of the material for these cards from seed cata- 
logues and advertisements. Here is the menu that was written 
on them in black ink with a stub pen: 

Soup — A bovine appendage (Oxtail). 

Fish — Collect on Delivery (C. O. D.). 

Meat — An intimate friend of Mary (Lamb). 

Vegetables — A kind of toes ne'er found on man or beast (Potatoes or 

Tomatoes). What is desired in time of war (Peas). 
Pudding — The Beautiful (Snow). 
Pie — Related to a well (Pumpkin). 
Fruit — A kind of ammunition (Grapes). 
Drinks — An illness and what a physician asks. Coffee (cough-fee). 

How does Bernhardt take her medicine ? (In cider. ) 
Gathered from many lands (Nuts). 

The guests were asked to divine what each course was 
before it was served. After dinner ghost stories were in order, 
nuts were roasted in the grate fire and fortunes told with 
apples. Bonbons were passed in a hollowed-out cabbage 
lined with waxed paper. The invitations to this dinner were 
sent by a messenger who wore a grotesque mask and carried a 
huge Jack-o'-Lantern on the end of a stick. 

Your Fortune in Each Month 

Here is a bit of astrological lore which may be of use to a 
hostess in amusing a crowd of young people on Hallowe'en. 
Ask the birth month of each; the following table gives the 
answers. The entertaining feature of these so-called fortunes 
is in seeing how far they generally are from the real character- 
istics of the person whom they are supposed to portray. 

January — A maiden born in this month will be a prudent house- 
keeper, good-tempered, but inclined to be melancholy. 

104 



1 




^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l 


^ 


•'■■^'^ipl 




i- 

h 








EFFECTIVE DECORATIONS 
A Fruit Centrepiece — A Daisy Table 



4 



Every Day in the Year 

February — Humane and afifectionate ; a tender parent. 

March — A chatterbox, fickle, stormy, and of a quarrelsome natiu-e. 

April — Pretty, dainty, inconsistent, and not studious. 

May — Handsome in person, contented and happy in spirit. 

June — Gay, impetuous, and will marry early. 

July — Fair to look on, but sulky in temper, and jealous. 

August — Amiable, practical, and will make a wealthy marriage. 

September — Discreet, affable, and a favorite with every one. 

October — Pretty, coquettish, and oftentimes unhappy without a 

cause. 
November — Liberal, kind, pleasant, and thoughtful of others. 
December — Well proportioned, gay, fond of novelty, and inclined 

to be extravagant. 

A Hallowe'en Luncheon 

At this function all the favors had been homemade and 
were truly novel. All sizes of round boxes had been procured 
at the druggist's and covered with scarlet crepe paper, while 
on the lids there were black cats, witches, ghosts, or toy 
pumpkins according to the sizes of the boxes. On one there 
was a diminutive candle and a mirror. The envelopes which 
enclosed the invitations were of deep orange color sealed in a 
lighter shade of paper Jack-o'-Lanterns, the flap of the envel- 
ope being apparently stuck through the teeth of the Jack in a 
most comical manner. The centrepiece was a mammoth 
pumpkin with holes bored in a circle around the top, con- 
taining white candles. On all four sides grotesque faces were 
cut. At either end of the table were smaller pumpkins filled 
with fruit, clusters of grapes hanging over the sides. Alternate 
yellow carrots and flat white turnips held red candles, while a 
row of red and white ears of corn served as candlesticks on the 
mantelpiece. 

The contest arranged was the carving of faces out of white 
bell-shaped squashes. Each guest selected the squash upon 
which his artistic skill was to be expended, and there was an 
exhibition, with a prize for the best production. A gilded 
basket filled with nuts, one of which contained a silver talisman, 
was the reward. The guests all helped in cracking the nuts 
until the lucky one was discovered. 

105 



Novel Entertainments for 



Description of Centrepiece for Hallowe'en 

Here is a description of a dainty and unusual centrepiece 
for a Hallowe'en function. This was made for a children's 
party, but it could be utilized at a party for grown people as 
well. It was based on the story of Cinderella. A pumpkin was 
carved into the semblance of a coach; inside was a doll dressed 
to represent a fairy godmother. In one hand she held a 
broom, supposedly to clear the witches from her path; in 
the other hand she held yellow ribbon lines, which were at- 
tached to eight candy mice of pink, white, yellow, and brown. 
The place favors were tiny slippers filled with kindergarten 
candies. The room was lighted with Jacks made from large 
ripe cucumbers, squash of all varieties, and pumpkins. They 
were suspended from the ceiling by wide streamers of yellow 
ribbon. 



io6 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER XL- NOVEMBER 

A Novel Thanksgiving Day 

"They invited as their guests Massasoit and ninety of his people, and 
as their contribution to the feast the Indians brought with them five deer. 
For three days they feasted and entertained their guests, and thus was 
kept the first Thanksgiving in the new colony." 

PREPARATIONS for Thanksgiving, the one purely 
American festival, are always a delight to the household. 
The traditions of this day are not wrapped in mystery, 
or so entangled with legends of all nations as to make a consec- 
utive rendering of its history impossible. 

Aside from the family gathering and public meetings in 
places of worship, it is the day par excellence for '^countin' up 
our marcies," to use the homely but expressive words of an old 
colored woman. 

A family noted for their original doings carried out this 
idea on a recent Thanksgiving day : There were four children; 
and in order to teach history as well as provide amusement, 
each child took a date back in the early annals of the country 
and told of the Thanksgiving of that period. The years 
represented were 1621, 1623, 1676, and 1783. 

Costumes were worn accordingly, and the whole character 
of the dinner was Colonial. Of course tin cups served for 
pewter porringers, for the clam broth ; tame turkey sufl5ced in 
lieu of the wild bird which was found on the table of our fore- 
fathers, and the duck was domesticated; but there was genuine 
corn bread, and pandowdy for dessert with pumpkin pie. 

The table decorations were carried out by the children, and 
there were four distinct centrepieces; in one Massasoit was 
represented by an Indian doll. 

107 



Novel Entertainments fo 



A Thanksgiving Day Reception 

For the table decoration get a perfectly formed pumpkin, 
hollow it out and line it with oiled paper; fill it with grapes, 
bananas, rosy-cheeked apples, and golden oranges. If a 
basket in the shape of a horn of plenty can be purchased at the 
florist^s, suspend it over the table by ribbons or tulle and fill it 
with chrysanthemums, which are the flower for November; 
Louise Alcott mentions them in ^^ Little Men" as being used 
on the Thanksgiving Day table. 

It would be a very pretty idea to ask the ladies to powder 
their hair and to wear dark gowns with white kerchiefs; in 
fact, to wear anything suggestive of Colonial days. Make 
boxes to hold salted nuts out of yellow tissue-paper chrysan- 
themums, and have the candle shades carry out the same idea. 
This menu may be written on little pumpkin-shaped books, 
with the name of the guest, and the date. A small prize 
might be awarded the person guessing the most courses on the 
menu before they appear on the table. 

*^Here *s a fowl without a feather" — Oysters or clams, 

**Tell me, where is fancy bred?" — Bread or rolls, 

"He must have a long spoon" — Soup, 

*' Trifles light as slit''— Wafers. 

" Can you eat roots ? " — Celery. 

"The Ottoman Empire "— Twr^ey. 

"A groundling" — Potatoes. 

" Good words, good cabbage " — Cabbage salad. 

"'Tis time I were choked on a piece of toasted cheese" — Cheese 

Straws. 
"As cold as if I had swallowed snowballs" — Ice cream, 
"Sweets to the sweet" — Cakes and bonbons, , 
"Grapes were made to eat" — Grapes. 
"The cup that cheers" — Tea. 

Ask some member of the club to prepare a twenty-minute 
paper on Thanksgiving Day in New England a hundred 
years ago. Let this be followed by a discussion of the best 
method of keeping Thanksgiving, which is our one distinctly 
national holiday. 

io8 



Every Day in the Year 



A Thanksgiving Dinner 

In speaking of Thanksgiving, one naturally thinks of the 
dinner; the menu given below is simple in character for a 
family affair with the children at the table. 

Clams on the half shell 

Cream of tomato soup 

Turkey, with dressing made of crumbs, a generous portion of beef suet, 

and a pint of oysters. Garnish the bird with tiny link sausage 

Mashed potatoes 

Sweet-potato croquettes Boiled onions 

Olives Celery Candied ginger 

Cranberry sherbet 

Fruit salad Cheese wafers 

Individual pumpkin pie Cake syllabub 

Coffee Cocoa 

Nuts and raisins 



The cake syllabub is a dessert for which Virginia cooks are 
famous. Here is the way to concoct it: Fill a glass bowl 
with thin slices of sponge cake, pour white wine over it to soften 
it. Rub the rind of two lemons on loaf sugar to flavor, then 
dissolve the sugar in a pint of rich milk. To the juice of the 
lemons add sugar to sweeten. Whip cream to a stiff froth and 
pour over the cake. Dot with candied cherries and bits of 
citron. 

It was the custom in New England to place five grains of 
corn in a little receptacle at each place. The story is that in 
the days of our Pilgrim Fathers the granary burned just before 
the annual Thanksgiving feast. Only a few grains of corn 
were saved, but five were placed before each one, and the 
family gathered around their frugal board and were thankful 
for their five grains of seed corn. A hostess did this last year, 
putting the corn in tiny satin bags, one at each plate, and told 
the story. Of course the moral is that every one has something 
for which to give thanks. 

109 



Novel Entertainments for 

A Thanksgiving Dinner as Served Sixty Years Ago 

For the benefit of the young people of the family and as a 
study of the times that are past, living only in the memory of 
our grandparents, a house mother who had been interested in 
reviewing history with the school girls in her immediate circle 
planned this dinner, to be served on Thanksgiving Day. 

A beloved grandmother outlined the feast; the mother, 
assisted by the girls, carried out the details. A sure-enough 
country turkey was ordered in the summer from a man who 
promised to give this particular bird extra care. It was 
stuffed with oysters and chestnuts, and a chain of tiny sausage 
was put around the neck. The table had a centrepiece of fall 
vegetables, with candles in brass holders. First clam broth was 
served, then creamed fish in clam shells — baked in the shell, 
after the manner of the Pilgrim Fathers ; the turkey followed with 
squash, Irish and sweet potatoes, celery, cranberry jelly, dam- 
son plum preserves, cucumber pickles, thin slices of brown and 
white bread, coffee with the meal, and all the vegetables placed 
on the table at once. No place cards and no salad ; the des- 
sert was pumpkin and apple pie, cheese, fruit, nuts, and raisins, 
with cider. Grandmother made her delicious pound cake for 
which she was famous fifty years ago. This repast was strictly 
en famille; the maid had the day, and the girls dressed in 
costumes such as were in vogue sixty years ago. Grandmother 
renewed her youth, and every one had a beautiful time. 

A Football Dinner 

This dinner was given at six o'clock, after the game, for 
five college men and five girl friends. Each college or 
society was recognized by a pennant which was fastened with 
long streamers to the chair of the respective occupant. A 
huge football was suspended over the table, filled with white 
chrysanthemums, while a miniature grand stand filled with 
dolls dressed as boys and girls formed a centrepiece, eliciting the 
wildest enthusiasm, as each doll had a rosette of one of the 

no 



E y f^ r Y Day in the Year 

contesting clubs' colors pinned conspicuously on its coat. A 
tiny football bore the name at each place. The favors were 
horns tied with ribbons for the men, and long streamers of satin 
ribbon for the girls. College songs were sung by a quartet 
behind the scenes, a feature which was much enjoyed. 

The ice cream was in football moulds, and the cake in the 
same shape, iced with light brown frosting. There were also 
individual pumpkin pies with a card attached, bearing this 
couplet of John Greenleaf Whittier's : 

" What moistens the lips and what brightens the eye, 
What calls back the past, like the rich pumpkin pie?" 

A Corn Party 

Provide simple refreshments, which are always best not 
only for young people but their elders. Issue invitations on 
corn-colored paper, written in white ink, for a Corn Party. 
Keep your plans to yourself, and you will have the whole neigh- 
borhood wondering what it is going to be. Decorate the 
house with ears of red and white corn; they are very pretty 
hung from the gas jets, grills, and doorways, used as candle- 
sticks ; and, if you wish to take the time, soften the kernels and 
then string them on linen thread with alternating glass beads. 
These make beautiful portieres, and will last for years. When 
the guests all arrive, pass an ear of corn tied with ribbon to each, 
and a wooden dish such as grocers use for butter; request that 
each person count the grains on his cob, and keep the number 
to himself until all are counted; then collect the kernels and 
put them into one receptacle. Then pass pieces of paper, on 
which each one must write his name and a guess as to the num- 
ber of grains of corn in the bowl. The two who come nearest 
the correct number are awarded prizes. These may be 
thermometers fastened on ears of corn suspended by ribbon. 
After this pass necklaces made by sewing popcorn on narrow 
baby ribbon to the girls, and watch chains to the men ; when a 
necklace is found to match a watch chain, those two are partners 
for supper. The table may be prettily decorated by forming 

III 



Novel Entertainments for 

true lovers' knots out of the popcorn ribbons. Serve mush and 
milk (I mean cream) in blue bowls, hot corn cakes and maple 
syrup, doughnuts, and coffee. 

A Topaz Birthday Party 

Wishing especially to honor a friend whose birthday comes 
in November, a number of girls conceived the idea of clubbing 
together and giving one gift, the birthstone, which in this in- 
stance is the topaz. So a ring containing this beautiful clear 
yellow stone set in a circlet to be worn on the little finger 
was tied to the stem of a great amber-hued chrysanthemum 
with this quotation, ^^The Topaz, emblem of friends and 
lovers true." 

The candles and shades were yellow, the china was "gold 
band," and the cake was frosted in yellow, set in a flaming 
circle of golden candles. The salad was much enjoyed, being 
made from hard-boiled eggs cut to represent daisies, and the 
cheese w^afers were baked to just the correct shade of golden. 
In fact, the hostess said that yellow, or for the time being, 
topaz, was quite the easiest color scheme she had attempted. 

A Chrysanthemum Tea Party 

In Japan the merry Feast of the Chrysanthemum occurs in 
November. Remembering this, a hostess ever on the lookout 
for novelties sent forth invitations for a Chrysanthemum Tea. 
The word "Thimbles" was written in the corner, and the 
hour was two o'clock. A word regarding the invitations, which 
were really unique. Oblong Japanese doilies bore the mes- 
sage, which was typewritten on the crinkled surface; they 
were then folded twice, sealed with small red seals on two 
sides, and a large red national seal was pasted on the front, on 
which the address was written. They were then stamped 
with a two-cent stamp and sent by post. 

The house was gayly decorated with Japanese lanterns, 

112 



Every Day in the Year 

which were hung on stout cords, forming a canopy most 
pleasing. Then there were a few lace-paper parasols, fans, 
screens, and candles with oriental shades. 

The thimbles proved to be useful in sewing on little outing 
flannel gowns, which were to be sent as a thank-offering to a 
needy child. While fingers flew, the hostess read a charming 
article on ^^ Things Seen in Japan," then tea was served in 
cups without handles, and a few chrysanthemum petals were 
scattered over the top of each, a la japonaise. Japanese rice 
cakes were served with candied ginger and cherries. Chrysan- 
themums, one and two in a vase, ornamented the mantel and 
the piano, and to add interest as well as to preserve the Japan- 
esque character of the afternoon, no chairs were provided in 
the dining-room; the guests drank their tea seated on the floor. 

If one wishes to serve more elaborate refreshments, olives, 
nut sandwiches, and salmon salad, could be added, and the 
guests requested to come in kimonos, or the hair combed in 
Japanese style, with numberless fans and ornaments, which 
may be purchased for the purpose. 

The folded figure napkins always create an interest, for 
it is a trick to see who can refold them into the original forms. 
Candied puffed rice is a dainty confection to serve in diminutive 
lantern holders. 



"3 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER XIL- DECEMBER 

Christmas Preparations 

THERE is something radically wrong not only with an 
individual, but in the spirit of the times, when the 
assertion is made: *^I don't care about Christmas, and 
I wish the fuss were all over." It always hurts to hear such 
a statement, and we wish for the power to restore the true 
meaning of this blessed festival. Oh, that we could or would 
only get away from the ^^give and take" theory with which 
nearly every one seems imbued, and remember that Luther 
said, even in his remote day, ^^The heart of the giver makes the 
gift dear and precious"; that we could learn to be satisfied 
with doing within our means, so that the joys of Christmas 
would not be clouded by the dread of those fast-approaching 
January bills! 

When old Father Time brings us the Christmas season, 
with its preparations, its memories, it is not good for us to 
indulge long in retrospect, but to remember while there are 
little children Christmas will always be a merry day; for a 
child remembers no past, regards no future, but lives wholly 
in the glorious present. So, be our hearts light or heavy, let 
us one and all endeavor to make the day gladsome in remem- 
brance of the dear Christ Child. To begin with, here is the 
description of a tree arranged for a baby and greatly enjoyed 
by the friends of the household. 

A Baby's Christmas Tree 

The color scheme was white and silver; white tarlatan 
stockings were buttonholed with silver tinsel cord, such as 
confectioners use, and all packages were wrapped in white 
tissue paper and tied with silver cord. 

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Every Day in the Year 

Each tiny sprig of the tree was tipped with a popcorn flake, 
fastened on with a pin, and it took several papers of pins to 
*^snowflake" this tree, but the effect paid for the trouble. 

Silvered English walnut shells contained tiny china dolls, 
one for each little guest. The tree was bountifully sprinkled 
with silver tinsel, and all the candles were white. Two men 
friends were personally asked to watch the candles, and there 
were no accidents ; a gaslighter was used to light them, so there 
were no matches about. 

There were quantities of silver stars and silver paper 
chains interlaced, kindergarten fashion, and electric sparklers. 
This tree was pronounced a thing of beauty by all who saw it. 

Christmas Table Decorations 

A TABLE decoration that elicited much favorable comment 
from the guests was the star flower in the centre of the table; 
the place cards were star-shaped, bearing appropriate quota- 
tions, such as : 

"Look how the floor of heaven 
Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold." 

"But who can count the stars of heaven ? 
Who sing their influence on this lower world?" 

" Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, 
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels." 

''Ye stars, which are the poetry of heaven! '* 

The ices and cakes were both star-shaped, and the hostess 
wore a beautiful jewelled star in her hair. 

A five-pointed star made from holly or evergreen is a table 
centrepiece always satisfactory. From this a red ribbon may 
run to each plate and be attached to a bell-shaped card. Over 
the table suspend by red ribbons red tissue-paper bells, or a 
chime of gilt and silver bells. Gold and silver paint are easily 
applied and are always convenient to have on hand. They 

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Novel Entertainments for 

color walnut shells for tree decorations, and are useful in a 
thousand and one ways. 

A toy Santa Claus with sleigh and reindeer on a mad 
career down the centre of the table will delight the younger 
members of the household; a very realistic chimney may be 
made of brick building-blocks. In his pack, which may be 
a red stocking-shaped bag, put the table favors, generally 
consisting of red snapping motto caps and candy boxes in 
Christmas shapes. 

The Holiday Post Card 

The Christmas post card has become a most helpful factor 
in spreading ^Hhe glad tidings of great joy," and each season's 
productions are a delight. The ones specially for children, 
with Santa Claus descending the chimney and speeding over 
snowclad hills with his eight tiny reindeer, are really fascinating. 

A young woman who has a desire to do far more than her 
purse will permit has this scheme for remembering a large 
number of individuals who are obliged to live in ^^ homes" 
and other institutions. She said she thought it must be most 
disheartening to have the postman pass by with no mail for 
them on Christmas Day, so she has obtained the names of the 
very friendless ones and addressed a souvenir card to be de- 
livered on the twenty-fifth. This is surely a delightful thing 
to do, and I hope many who read this will avail themselves of 
the suggestion. 

Let us endeavor to make each holiday season more of a 
real pleasure and less of what F. Hopkinson Smith says it has 
become, *'a social clearing-house for the swapping of gifts." 

A Mistletoe Luncheon 

A YOUNG woman who wished to announce her engagement 
on Christmas eve gave a Mistletoe Luncheon. Over the table 
there was a huge bunch of this mysterious plant tied by red 

ii6 



Every Day in the Year 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTIONS 
For Christmas — For a "Dutch" Affair 



Novel Entertainments for 

and green ribbons. There was a spray at each place, attached 
to the place card, and a spray over the door leading to the dining- 
room. While at the table the hostess told the legend of the 
first man to enter a door hung with mistletoe being the one to 
marry a girl in the room, and just at that stage of the game 
the young man in the case entered and received the congratula- 
tions of the girls present, who were the bride elect's most 
intimate friends. 

The Christmas Barrel 

In a family where there were no children and none to be 
borrowed from near relatives they devised this method of dis- 
tributing gifts. The day before Christmas a barrel covered 
with crepe paper was placed in the reception hall. It was 
tied around with red ribbon and greens, and the members of 
the family placed their parcels within. At breakfast it was 
rolled into the dining-room and the contents disclosed by the 
one whose lot it was to perform the pleasant task. This 
honor was determined by two candy canes, one long, one short ; 
the man who drew the long one officiated as Santa Claus. 
This is not much trouble, and infinitely better than just the 
ordinary way of giving things. 

A Novel Christmas Box Party 

"Please come to my box party next Tuesday afternoon 
at two. Bring a pair of scissors and an apron to protect your 
gown." 

Well, of all the invitations that from time to time have 
reached my desk, this was certainly a new one. I responded 
with keen interest, to find as usual that the clever woman was 
nothing if not original. The room was literally full to over- 
flowing with boxes of all sizes and descriptions. There were a 
number of sewing tables, tubes of library paste, and numerous 
rolls of crepe tissue paper of holly and poinsettia designs. Then 
there was plain red crepe paper, and scarlet ribbon, and all 

ii8 



Every Day in the Year 

sorts of Christmas '^stickers" or seals. This was the idea as 
outlined by the hostess: "Last year," she said, "I received 
anumberof dainty Christmas gifts — a plate, homemade candy, 
handkerchiefs, etc., and they were done up in the most at- 
tractive boxes. On pricing them, I found the cost almost 
doubled the original sum expended on the gifts, so I hit upon 
the scheme of making them. As I hate to do anything alone, 
I asked you all to help me and each to make one or two boxes 
for your own use." "And that explains why the ^clever woman* 
has fairly haunted the dry goods stores for empty boxes, why 
the man of the house has appeared with his arms laden with 
bumptious packages, and why there has been a corner in the 
market on Christmas papers," said the little neighbor from over 
the way. At half after four, I wish you could have seen the 
array of really beautiful boxes ; some were covered with plain 
red paper, the little seals being used for a border or in a decora- 
tive conventional design. One lady said she had n't had so 
much fun since she went to kindergarten. There seems to be 
a fascination about cutting and pasting paper that charms not 
only children, but grown-ups as well. 

For refreshments we had delicious tea made in the drawing- 
room, served with a spoonful of brandied cherries in each cup, 
and the most delectable muffins with cranberries in them. 
I should think a "box" table at a church bazaar would be a 
profitable undertaking. 

Novel Ways to Give Money 

There are occasions when it is best to give money instead 
of articles ; even then there may be a pleasant mystery about 
receiving it. One son, who always remembers his mother by 
the coin of the realm, has very original methods of doing it. 
Once the greenbacks went folded in narrow strips sewed on a 
fan, which, when opened, disclosed the peculiar manner of con- 
struction. A bow of gay holly ribbon was tied to the handle 
and a little note accompanying the fan box "hoped that she 

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Novel Entertainments for 

would enjoy a few weeks in Southern lands, wafted there by the 
contents of the fan." Last year he wove his bank-notes into 
a pretty conventional pattern, bordered it with red and green 
ribbon, thereby making a small mat. He sent it with the tag 
of well-known rug dealers attached, and *' hoped that the 
design on the enclosed rug would please her and soften the 
pathway of life." 

A father who was obliged to be away from home on Christ- 
mas sent word to his wife to hide twelve silver dollars through- 
out the house, and every time the clock struck beginning at 
eight in the morning until eight at night his little ten-year-old 
daughter was to hunt for another gift from father. He could 
not buy the presents, but she was to make her own selections. 
In this way the mother said the interest in the day was keen 
until bedtime and the father was by no means forgotten. 

Putting money in small coins in pill boxes is a good method, 
with a physician's prescription blank filled out to ^^take one 
daily until gone." 

Out of the Christmas Jar 

A HOSTESS who entertained a party of ten at dinner on 
Christmas night had filled a large urn with gifts, which was 
placed on the table with the dessert. The packages were done 
up in scarlet paper tied with silver tinsel, which comes by the 
yard. As each parcel was drawn out, guesses were made as to 
the contents, and then the hostess described how and when the 
gift was purchased; they were all collected on a trip abroad. 
With the coffee, German Christmas cakes were served, three 
tied together with scarlet ribbon and put at each place. 

'^'T was the Night Before Christmas," that delightful set of 
verses which will charm both young and old as long as there 
are stockings to be hung, was written eighty-four years ago, 
just before the holiday season, by Clement Clarke Moore, 
who was then Professor of Oriental Languages in the New 
York Theological Seminary. It has become an American 
classic, and is really the only Christmas poem we have that is 

I20 



Every Day in the Year 

worthy of a pantomime performance. It is capable of illus- 
tration by living pictures, and no Christmas Day is complete 
without a reading of this charming little lyric. 



Instead of using a candelabrum for the centre of the table 
cut off the top of a good-sized Christmas tree, and imbed it 
firmly in a block of wood. Put on as many colored candles 
as it will hold, and with pins fasten grains of popcorn every- 
where they will stick ; the tree will look as if covered with snow- 
flakes. Tiny souvenirs for the guests may be wrapped, tied 
with red ribbon, and suspended from the larger branches. 
Gold and silver tinsel should be thrown over the tree at the last. 
Cover the base with sprays of holly, under which is concealed 
a snapping motto for each person ; attach them to red ribbons 
radiating from its base to each place. Just before announcing 
dinner, light the candles. The result will be a thing of beauty. 



A pretty way to distribute Christmas gifts is to make a 
huge stocking of red or white drilling, run a wire in the hem 
around the top to keep it open, and suspend from a hook in 
the ceiling by red ribbon. Provide a light step ladder decorated 
with ribbon and holly, and stand beside the stocking. Hang 
it up a day or two before Christmas. All unbreakable presents 
are dropped into this capacious receptacle, until by Christmas 
morning it is full to overflowing. Light parcels and letters 
are pinned to the outside. 

A fish pond is another pretty way of distributing Christmas 
presents. Stretch a sheet between doorways, and provide a 
fishing pole and line; the person behind the screen attaches 
the packages that are marked for the one who holds the pole. 
The *' fisherman" repeats this rhyme: 

Here is a fisherman come to fish 
With rod, hook and bait, and an empty dish ; 
So, please, little fishes, come and be caught — 
Though my line is long, my patience is short. 

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Novel Entertainments for 



Christmas Invitations 

Send Christmas invitations written on little red stockings, 
enclosed in an ordinary envelope with this jingle written in 
white ink : 

At the Sign of the Stocking warm and bright, 
We '11 expect you sure on Christmas night; 
The hour is six, so don't be late, 
A good time 's coming; for you we wait. 

Hang a big red stocking in the window with a light behind 
it and the ^^sign" will be visible for blocks. . 

A Christmas Party- 
Ax this season of the year little German children sing this 
song to Santa Claus : 

" Dear Santa Claus, for the children's sakes 
Bring us nuts and sugar cakes; 
Throw them into my apron here, 
And help to swell the Christmas cheer.*' 

All over the world we find the legend of Santa Claus or St. 
Nicholas, who is known to young Hollanders as Kris Kringle ; 
and in France they always speak of the ^Xhrist Child." The 
traditions are so interwoven with ancient pagan and Druid 
customs, coupled with the stories of the Three Wise Men and 
the Star of Bethlehem, that it is a difficult matter to disen- 
tangle the web. However, the most important fact to us in 
this twentieth century is that all over the world preparations 
are made this month to celebrate the most beautiful day in 
the calendar; to remember that ^^the gift without the giver 
is bare"; to see that the motherless and the aged are not for- 
gotten; and for at least one day in the year to go back in 
spirit to our childhood days. It is a sure sign of advancing 
age if we cannot sing from the heart "Make me a child again, 
just for to-night," and that night to be Christmas Eve. 

And now for the description of this most delightful party. 

122 



Every Day in the Year 

In the centre of the room there was a mammoth Christmas 
pie made out of a washtub. The outside was covered with 
red cloth (red paper would answer) ; the presents were put in 
and covered with bran or sawdust. A ribbon was attached to 
each package; the end, weighted with a red highly polished 
apple, rested on the floor with the name of the guest fastened 
on it with a toothpick. The top of the pie was covered with 
greens, in which was planted a small tree (either real or artifi- 
cial) for each guest. When the hostess told them *^to go to 
the forest and bring home a Christmas tree," the fun began. 
Each child found his name tied to the branches of a tree, 
pulled it up, and tied to the bottom he found a daintily done up 
tissue-paper package. 

After these gifts were examined, at a given signal each took 
an apple and the pie was pulled, bringing out a large red 
snapping-cracker favor containing a cap and a trinket. At- 
tached to each favor there was a jingle describing a member of 
the party, who when found was the supper partner. 

The table decorations were most effective; overhead there 
were eight bells, four of red and four of green, with scarlet 
ribbon interlaced between. Three wreaths of holly with red 
candles graced the table. Gilt stars were candy boxes, and 
Santa Claus figures held the salted almonds. This was the 
menu: 

Canapes, star-shaped 

Cold turkey, garnished with stars cut from beets and carrots 

Fruit salad served in holly wreaths Cheese wafers 

Brown and white bread sandwiches 

Olives Celery Cranberry jelly 

Ice cream in bell-shaped moulds Holly-decorated cakes 

Coffee Crackers and cheese 

The wassail bowl or grace cup was passed during the 
evening. This is an English Christmas custom. To make it, 
put baked apple pulp into a punch bowl, with bits of lemon, 
orange, and all sorts of spices; pour boiling cider over all; 
sweeten to taste. 

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Novel Entertainments for 

A Christmas Express and Post OflSlce 

With very little trouble and expense a Christmas Express 
and Post Office may be constructed from which to distribute 
packages and mail, thus affording a unique way to give the 
presents, as well as to occupy a good portion of the day. Make 
a light framework of lath covered with cambric or canvas, to be 
set up in a convenient corner of a room or reception hall. 
Cigar or pasteboard boxes will make compartments for the 
guests. These are numbered, every one having his own private 
box for mail. There are General Delivery, Money Order, 
and Registered Letter windows, a Postmaster, and one assistant. 
There must be large paper sacks for mail bags, and letter stamps 
made from corks, which when dipped in ink will mark the 
envelopes in a very satisfactory manner. Postage stamps may 
be any gummed labels which are available. The family and 
friends are informed that each letter must contain a number, 
its duplicate being placed upon the parcel and deposited in the 
express ofl&ce, which is located in another room. Persons 
must go to the post ofl&ce, receive their mail, read the contents, 
then go to the express oflSce, give the number of the package 
desired, sign the receipt book, then go back to the post oflSce 
for more mail. People who are not known to the money 
order clerk will have to be identified before money is paid to 
them. 

This novel way of spending Christmas morning was hugely 
enjoyed by the family who originated the scheme, and it was 
the talk of the town for days afterwards. Of course, as with 
all things, to make it a success, each member of the household 
must enter into the spirit of the affair. This idea is adaptable 
to a large house party, or a church bazaar. 

A Holly and Mistletoe Game 

Provide green and red ribbons of about two inches in 
width, divide the party into sides, giving one side red, the 

124 



Every Day 



1 n 



the Year 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTION 

For a Christmas Party 

125 



Novel Entertainments for 

other green streamers. Those holding red are holly, the 
green are mistletoe. One person holds the ends of all the 
ribbons in his hand; a child holds the end of a single ribbon. 
Form a circle with the ribbons radiating from the centre like 
the spokes of a wheel. The test is this: When the leader 
calls, ^'All holly let go" they must hold on tight, while the 
mistletoe drop their ribbons; and when the command is ^'Let 
go mistletoe," the hollies must obey. The ones who fail to do 
the reverse of the command are required to pay a forfeit, 
recite, sing, draw a picture, or do some amusing *^ stunt/* 
Paying the penalties may be made a very entertaining feature 
of an evening's fun. 

A Snowball Christmas 

Roll each gift in a ball of white cotton, dip lightly in 
mucilage or gum arabic water, then sprinkle plentifully with 
diamond dust. Pile these balls in a pyramid in the centre of 
the table, or in the middle of a room, with a wreath of holly 
around them. 

A child dressed as Santa Claus may distribute the balls, 
and carry the larger packages in a pack on his back. 

Decorations for the Christmas Tree 

Make long strings of raisins alternating with various nut 
meats, popcorn, and cranberries, also chains of pink and 
white popcorn. When it comes to dismantling the tree, these 
toothsome necklaces will be eagerly devoured. Small red 
apples polished to a high degree are very ornamental and 
always found on the trees at Christmas time in Germany. 

Baskets made from oranges, the halves lined with waxed 
paper and filled with bonbons, are lovely on the green tree 
branches. Even the children of kindergarten age may assist 
in dressing the glorious tree by making the dainty paper 
chains for festooning the branches. Their little fingers can 
also fashion cornucopias, of which there can never be too many. 

126 



Every Day in the Year 

Christmas Presents on a Clothes Line 

At a house party which had been assembled on short 
notice and where it was not practicable to have a tree, the 
clever woman who could always think of unusual ways of doing 
things suggested to the hostess that a clothes line could be 
utilized in a very pretty manner for distributing the Christmas 
presents. The guests were instructed to do up their small 
packages securely, and the host was told to bring out a brand 
new line from town, together with several bolts of red ribbon. 

The packages were pinned to the line with holly and 
beribboned clothes-pins; heavy packages were laid on the 
floor, but attached to the line by ribbons. After breakfast 
on Christmas morning, one of the young ladies, attired as a 
washerwoman with clothes-pin bag and white laundry mittens, 
appeared to take down the clothes. The wrappings, boxes, 
and pieces of string were placed in a clothes-basket waiting 
to receive them, so the room was kept in pretty good order 
while the packages were being opened. 

The Origin of the Christmas Stocking 

From Italy comes the legend from which we are supposed 
to get the time-honored custom of hanging up the Christmas 
stocking. 

Good old St. Nicholas of Padua used to throw long knitted 
purses, tied at both ends, into the open windows of the very 
poor people ; these purses were of yarn and not unlike a footless 
stocking. Finally it became the custom of the people to hang 
these long empty receptacles out of their windows on the night 
before Christmas, so that St. Nicholas could put a gift into them 
as he passed by. By and by, when coin became scarce, toys 
were put in for the children, and useful presents for grown 
people. In the north country, where it was rather chilly at 
Christmas time, the purses were hung on the mantelpiece, and 
it was believed that the good old Saint would come down the 

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Novel Entertainments for 

chimney and fill them. When these purses went out of use, 
stockings were substituted and have been used ever since. 

A Jack Frost Party 

A Jack Frost party is especially appropriate at this sea- 
son of the year. The invitations may be written in red ink on 
cards ornamented with glittering white frosting. If these 
cards cannot be found already decorated, they may be easily 
and quickly prepared by coating with thin mucilage and then 
sprinkling plentifully with diamond dust, which may be pro- 
cured at the druggist's or at a department store where Christ- 
mas tree ornaments are kept. At the same counter buy glass 
icicles to suspend from the chandeliers and grilles, and to 
hang from the ropes of evergreen with which the rooms are 
festooned. 

Cover the floors with canvas or sheets stitched together 
for the purpose, bank the mantels with green, and use flecks of 
cotton in every place possible. White candles with frosted shades 
in glass holders will produce a beautiful effect; jardinihres 
and pots containing plants should all be wrapped in cotton. 
The hostess will wear white, with powdered hair, and if she 
will request her guests to do the same the tout ensemble will be 
greatly enhanced. Cards will be the amusement, the tables 
all covered with white paper cambric, the score cards being 
ornamented with snow scenes, the pencils and ribbons of 
white. 

The dining-room table has for a centrepiece a huge glass 
bowl filled with white chrysanthemums; and the menu, to be 
served before the game, consists of raw oysters on beds of 
ice, cream of corn soup with whipped cream on top, turkey 
cutlets, mashed potatoes, cauliflower in ramakins, fruit salad 
in white chrysanthemum cases, snow pudding with individual 
snowball cakes, the latter rolled in grated cocoanut. 

The favors are little boys on sleds, and girls in winter cos- 
tumes ; the place cards are snowballs of cotton, sprinkled with 

128 



Every Day in the Year 

diamond dust, the card slipped under a silver cord tied around 
the ball. 

If this affair is given just before Christmas all the hostess 
will have to do will be to add touches of red here and there, 
and the room will be ready to welcome the holiday guests. 

A New Year's Eve Wish Tree 

At a dinner to be given on the eve of the New Year a lovely 
table decoration is the New Year's wish tree. The top of the 
Christmas tree may be utilized for this purpose. Attached 
to a gilded wishbone for each guest have a tiny envelope 
containing a good wish. These may be made out by the 
hostess, who probably has some idea of what would be the 
dearest wish of most of her guests ; or suitable quotations may 
be written. In fancifully shaped boxes good luck talismans 
may be concealed and tied to the tree. Suspended over the 
table there may be the face of a large clock or watch with the 
hands at twelve o'clock. 

It is an old custom, handed down from ages remote, that 
promptly at the stroke of midnight the front door must be opened 
for the passing of the Old Year out to join the centuries of the 
past, and for the entrance of the baby New Year, who is just 
about to commence his earthly career. It is a pretty ceremony, 
worthy of continuation. 

A Party for New Year's Eve 

This very charming party was arranged and carried out as 
the crowning function of the year by a hostess who is noted for 
her clever and original entertainments : Twelve young ladies 
received invitations each with the request to come in a costume 
representing the month designated, and an equal number of 
men were asked to appear each in a costume representing a 
special day in a month. When all arrived partners for the 
cotillion were found by "January" escorting the little "New 

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Novel Entertainments for 

Year"; ^^ February" was appropriated by ''St. Valentine"; 
''June" was a grave and reverend signior, in cap and gown, 
and claimed the rose-crowned maiden in the white rose-trimmed 
gown ; and so the months were all present and accounted for. 
The hostess was attired as the "Old Year," all in black, with 
a watch worn as a chatelaine, the hands pointing to twelve 
o 'clock. 

Promptly at the stroke of midnight the figures of the New 
Year appeared in a blaze of electric lights, the company formed 
in a circle and sang "Auld Lang Syne." The decorations 
were the Christmas greens with a generous bunch of mistletoe 
over every doorway. 



130 



Every Day in the Year 



CHAPTER XIII. -MISCELLANEOUS ENTER- 
TAINMENTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 

A Button Party 

A COMMON agate button was sewed on the card, while 
underneath was written, ^^ Bring your thimble." 
On arriving at the appointed hour, the guests were seated 
four at a table, the hostess giving each one a card with a number 
corresponding to the ones on the table; in this way all found 
their partners and tables. At the head of the table there was 
a bell, and so far the arrangements were as for an ordinary 
card party. Small pencils were attached to the score cards 
with which to keep the account. At table No. i there were 
fifteen large agate buttons for each person, with thread and 
needles. On the other tables there were bowls filled with 
buttons. 

The person at the head table who sews on his or her fifteen 
buttons first, rings the bell, and progresses with the one who 
has sewed on the next highest number, first pulling off the 
buttons so as to be ready for the newcomers. The buttons 
must be sewed on as follows: Make a knot in the thread, 
sew once into each hole, then fasten enough to hold the button 
on. Break the thread each time. Every person reaching the 
head table sews on the fifteen buttons as the first did, the re- 
maining persons beginning over again and keeping the score. 
Those at the other tables sew on just as many buttons as pos- 
sible, while the ones at the head table are doing the requisite 
number. After fifteen progressions, the score cards were 
collected; to the one sewing on the largest number of buttons 
a pair of scissors in a leather case was given for the man's 
prize, and a dainty thimble was the lady's reward. The 
consolation prize for the lady was a needle case, and a box of 
patent buttons for the gentleman. The affair was pronounced 

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Novel Entertainments for 

a decided success, and quite a relief from cards. The custom- 
ary light refreshments were served at the small tables. 

A Curio Exhibit 

A HOSTESS casting about for something new in the way of 
entertainment, invited her guests to a curiosity party, telling 
each one to bring a curio of some description, or an object 
having an interesting history. As each one arrived he was 
asked to deposit his article on a table, when it was given a 
number. When all had assembled papers bearing as many 
numbers as there were articles were given out, each person 
being instructed to write down what he thought the object 
might be, of course omitting a description of the curio which he 
had contributed. 

Then each person read his ideas, after that the real histories 
of the articles were given by the owners. 

The result was a most amusing and interesting evening. 

Here is a partial list of the curios at a party given recently. 
A piece of hard-tack from a survivor of a shipwreck, of which 
the owner gave a vivid account; a scrap from a rebel battle 
flag; candlestick from a New Orleans antique shop; a paper 
bearing hieroglyphics written by a cannibal chief who flagged 
the ship on which the possessor was a passenger; a handker- 
chief once belonging to Marie Antoinette; and a glove once 
the property of Adelina Patti. 

A Book-Title Story 

The hostess announces that she will read a sketch 
introducing many old and familiar friends, and asks that 
every one give close attention. Pencils and cards are passed, 
and after the expiration of the allotted time, lists are read. 
The person having the largest number of book titles with their 
authors wins the prize; the one having the smallest list re- 
ceives the consolation prize. If expense is not to be considered, 

132 



Every Day in the Year 

two more souvenirs may be given to the one having the most 
titles and the one having the largest number of authors. Candy 
boxes in the shape of books may be purchased for a trifle, 
and would be dainty place cards at table. 

Here is the story to be read : 

^^The Prisoner of Zenda'' ^'One Summer" was going 
^^ Round the World in Eighty Days" when to the *^ Westward 
Ho" he espied ^'Tom Sawyer" gazing into ^^A Face Illu- 
mined" of A Little Sister to the Wilderness," ''The Minis- 
ter's Charge," who had recently disturbed the ''Annals of a 
Quiet Neighborhood" by coming to live with ''The Woman in 
White" in "The House of the Seven Gables." 

"Will you 'Love Me Little, Love Me Long'?" he said, as 
he took up "The First Violin." 

" Don't be ' Sentimental Tommy, ' ' ' she cried ; ' ' suppose ' We 
Two' were to sit in the shade of that 'Red Rock' and watch 
those 'Three Men in a Boat' headed for 'Treasure Island.'" 

"They are 'Soldiers of Fortune,' " he cried; "one of them 
is 'Daniel Deronda,' 'The Conqueror'; the other is 'John 
Halifax, Gentleman'; and the third with 'The Bow of Orange 
Ribbon' on his breast is 'St. Elmo.' " 

Listening, they heard the "Soldiers Three" singing the 
following song : 

Poor little *' Trilby" is no more, 

And ''Helen's Babies" have taken flight. 
*'The Heavenly Twins" have sailed away, 
In ''Ships that Pass in the Night." 

''Lena Rivers" has had her day; 

And "Jane Eyre" is out of sight; 
"The Honorable Peter Stirhng" has the floor, 

While "David Hanim" speaks to-night. 

"And who are all these 'Little Women,' " said he, "whom 
*Ben Hur' is driving in his chariot?" 

"They are 'Lorna Doone,' who was a prisoner in 'The 

^33 



Novel Entertainments for 

Heart of Midlothian/ ^Ramona' of ^Rudder Grange/ and the 
^Princess of Thule.' They are going to ^Vanity Fair/ where 
they will have ^The Right of Way/ because ^The Hound of 
the Baskervilles ' is following the chariot." 

^*But where is ^AHce of Old Vincennes'?" cried the lover. 

''She is sitting 'Under Two Flags' with 'Eben Hoi den' 
'Beside the Bonny Briar Bush' in front of 'Uncle Tom's 
Cabin.' He is whispering 'The Old Mam'selle's Secret' to her 
I know, for 'Red as a Rose is She.' 

"Yes, that is 'The Wooing O't,' " she cried, as he whistled 
softly "In the Palace of the King." 

Now all this was "When Knighthood Was in Flower," 
and it was nearly " Middlemarch " before "Lady Rose's 
Daughter" discovered that her lover had very little "Hard 
Cash," and owed "All Sorts and Conditions of Men," and 
frequently borrowed from "A Chance Acquaintance" like 
"Sherlock Holmes." So she went to him frankly, saying, 
" 'The Crisis' has come. 'Our Mutual Friend' 'Mr. Barnes 
of New York ' has warned me against you ; and while I know 
you have ' Great Expectations ' of inheriting ' Old Myddleton's 
Money,' I wish you to win 'The Leavenworth Case' against 
'The Virginian.' It is 'The Christian' thing to do if you 
would marry me." 

In vain he pleaded that "The Little Minister" "Next 
Door" had promised to marry them; that "Janice Meredith" 
was to be bridesmaid, and "Gordon Keith" best man, and 
"The Landlord at Lion's Head" would entertain them. 
At last he grew angry, and said he had heard of her correspond- 
ence with "Monsieur Beaucaire," "A Gentleman of France," 
and much more that he would gladly have "Called Back" 
afterwards. But he stalked out into "The Wide, Wide 
World." 

'"Quo Vadis'?" she cried. 

But on he went, never "Looking Backward." 

And "She"? Oh, she became "A New England Nun," 
and lived happy ever after. 

134 



Every Day in the Year 



KEY TO '* BOOK-TITLE STORY " 

I. The Prisoner of Zenda. Anthony Hope. 

• 2. One Summer. Blanche Willis Howard. 

3. Round the World in Eighty Days. Jules Verne. 

4. Westward Ho! Chas. Kingsley. 

5. Tom Sawyer. Mark Twain. 

6. A Face Illumined. E. P. Roe. 

-- 7. A Little Sister to the Wilderness. Lilian Bell. 

8. The Minister's Charge. W. D. Ho wells. 

9. The Annals of a Quiet Neighborhood. Geo. MacDonald. 

10. The Woman in White. Wilkie Collins. 

11. The House of the Seven Gables. Nathaniel Hawthorne. 

12. Love me Little, Love me Long. Chas. Reade. 

13. The First Violin. Jessie Fothergill. 

14. Sentimental Tommy. J. M. Barrie. 

15. We Two. Edna Lyall. 

16. Red Rock. Thos. Nelson Page. 

17. Three Men in a Boat. J. K. Jerome. 

18. Treasure Island. R. L. Stevenson. 

19. Soldiers of Fortune. Richard Harding Davis. 

20. Daniel Deronda. George Eliot. 

21. The Conqueror. Gertrude Atherton. 

22. John Halifax, Gentleman. Miss Mulock (Mrs. Craik). 

23. The Bow of Orange Ribbon. Amelia Barr. 

24. St. Ehno. Augusta Evans. 

25. Soldiers Three. Rudyard Kipling. 

26. Trilby. Geo. Du Maurier. 

27. Helen's Babies. John Habberton. 

28. The Heavenly Twins. Sarah Grand. 

29. Ships that Pass in the Night. Beatrice Harraden. 

30. Lena Rivers. Mrs. Holmes. 

31. Jane Eyre. Charlotte Bronte. 

32. The Honorable Peter Stirling. Paul L. Ford. 
^^. David Harum. Edward N. Westcott. 

34. Little Women. Louise Alcott. 

35. Ben Hur. Lew Wallace. 

36. Lorna Doone. R. D. Blackmore. 

37. The Heart of Midlothian. Walter Scott. 

38. Ramona. H. H. Jackson. 

39. Rudder Grange. Frank Stockton. 

40. Princess of Thule. Wm. Black. 

41. Vanity Fair. W. M. Thackeray. 

42. The Right of Way. Gilbert Parker. 

43. The Hound of the Baskervilles. Con an Doyle. 

135 



Novel Entertainments for 



44. Alice of Old Vincennes. Maurice Thompson. 

45. Under Two Flags. OuiDA. 

46. Eben Holden. Irving Bacheller. 

47. Beside the Bonny Briar Bush. Ian Maclaren (Watson). 

48. Uncle Tom's Cabin. H. B. Stowe. 

49. The Old Mam'selle's Secret. E. Marlitt. 

50. Red as a Rose is She. Rhoda Broughton. 

51. The Wooing O't. Mrs. Alexander. 

52. In the Palace of the King. F. Marion Crawford. 

53. When Knighthood Was in Flower. Chas. Major. ^ ~ 

54. Middlemarch. Geo. Eliot. 

55. Lady Rose's Daughter. Mrs. H. Ward. 

56. Hard Cash. Chas. Reade. 

57. All Sorts and Conditions of Men. Walter Besant. 

58. A Chance Acquaintance. W. D. Ho wells. 

59. Sherlock Holmes. Conan Doyle. 

60. The Crisis. Winston Churchill. 

61. Our Mutual Friend. Charles Dickens. 

62. Mr. Barnes of New York. A. C. Gunter. 

63. Great Expectations. Charles Dickens. 

64. Old Myddleton's Money. Mary Cecil Hay. 

65. The Leavenworth Case. Anna Katharine Green. 

66. The Virginian. Owen Wister. 

67. The Christian. Hall Caine. 

68. The Little Minister. J. M. Barrie. 

69. Next Door. Clara L. Burnham. 

70. Janice Meredith. Paul L. Ford. 

71. Gordon Keith. Thos. N. Page. 

72. The Landlord at Lion's Head. W. D. HoWELLS. 

73. Monsieur Beaucaire. Booth Tarkington. 

74. A Gentleman of France. Stanley Weyman. 

75. Called Back. Hugh Conway. 

76. The Wide, Wide World. SusAN Warner. 

77. Quo Vadis. H. Sienkiewicz. 

78. Looking Backward. Edward Bellamy. 

79. She. Rider Haggard. 

80. A New England Nun. Mary E. Wilkins. 

A Souvenir Post Card Party 

Nearly every town of any size has its own individual 
postals, and in this day and generation every one is the recipient 
of many of these charming reminders of travel, both at home 
and abroad. Something original in the way of entertaining for 

136 



Every Day in the Year 

either dinner, luncheon, or afternoon was given by the hostess 
when she planned this affair. 

The rooms were decorated with postals fastened together 
by holes punched in the corners and ribbons run through 
them. Panels were formed in this way and made a most 
effective decoration. Cards were stuck in picture frames, 
placed on tables, on the mantels, and every spot where they 
would attract attention. These cards were topics of conversa- 
tion which was very animated. ^*Do you remember?" and 
'^That reminds me" were expressions heard on all sides. 

Invitations were sent out on local souvenir cards. Then 
for place cards at this luncheon the hostess had mailed cards to 
the guests, ten in number, addressing them to her own house 
number. By these they found their places at the table. Each 
one was asked to come prepared to relate some incident of 
travel, either humorous, startling, or pathetic. A vote was 
taken as to the best story in each class, and souvenirs were 
awarded, inexpensive articles which the hostess had collected 
with this party in mind. Souvenir spoons were used, and the 
table linen came from Ireland. 

The menu consisted of grape fruit, creamed potatoes served 
in ramakins, whole wheat bread, cherry salad made by 
replacing the pits of California cherries with hazel nuts, serving 
it on head lettuce leaves with a rich mayonnaise dressing, and 
cheese wafers; ice cream was served in halves of cantaloupe 
with small cakes. The bonbons were in dress-suit boxes, and 
the almonds in miniature bandboxes, which were given the 
guests for favors. Iced tea was the beverage, with a bit of 
lemon and a candied cherry in it. 

A Fad Party 

"What won't Peggy think of next," was the exclamation 
when the little note written on the gray paper with the red 
initials at the top fluttered down on my desk. "Come to my 
party at 8, Tuesday night, and wear your pet hobby." Peggy's 

137 



Novel Entertainments for 

hobby might have been recognized in her gray stationery, 
which she affected year in and year out with its plain red mark- 
ings. Well, this is what I found that night in the great living- 
room, where we all loved to assemble — just the funniest 
conglomeration, the eccentricities of genius personified, as 
one clever maiden said. There was the postage stamp fiend 
wearing a motley collection pasted on various parts of his 
clothing, even on face, hands, and hair. The girl who was 
making silk quilts out of scraps of her party gowns and those 
of her friends presented a picture akin to Joseph and his coat 
of many colors, while the naturalist of the crowd had bugs and 
butterflies, toads and lizards, crawling over his clothes in a 
most realistic manner. 

The girl who was going in for physical culture had a neck- 
lace of tiny Indian clubs and dumb-bells. Of course the 
camera crank went around trying to **take" everybody, and 
the collector of autographs was on hand with notebook and 
pencil. One girl wore a dolPs cup and saucer on a long chain, 
and there were numerous spoons worn as hair ornaments, 
showing the fad of the wearers. One of the drollest figures 
was the hand-made furniture man; he carried a set of dolPs 
chairs, tables, and a bed, of which he insisted on showing the 
construction. Altogether it was a most amusing party, 

A Spool Party 

This party was certainly a novelty for the twelve little guests 
who were invited to spend the hours from three to five with the 
six-year-old hostess. The oldest child asked had passed her 
ninth birthday, and she proved a decided help in assisting to 
amuse the younger ones. This mother said she had been saving 
spools for months, begging them of her friends, and had even 
done an extra amount of sewing to get sufficient spools for this 
party. 

First, dolls were made from spools by inserting a pasteboard 
nose in a slit and doing- the face with a tiny brush and black 

138 




DAINTY ACCESSCRIES 
Candle Shade for a Rose Table — The Drawing-Room Coffee 



Every Day in the Year 

paint (ink will do), and toothpicks were stuck in slits for arms. 
The children were greatly interested in the construction of these 
wooden men. 

Then a bowling alley was made by inverting one end of an 
ironing board and arranging spools at the other like tenpins. 
A prize was given to the child making the best score. 

Coarse needles and colored twine were provided for a 
spool-stringing contest, with another prize ; and when refresh- 
ments were served there was a spool-shaped candy box (bought 
at the favor counter) filled with sugar peppermints for each 
child to take home. 

So, good mothers, save your spools if you want to provide 
something new for your little one's party. 

An Adjective Game 

The game of '^Adjectives" is good to fill in a half-hour. 
Select one of the party to go out of the room. Then each 
person chooses an adjective, which he or she will represent, 
while the one outside comes in and asks questions, trying to 
determine the adjective being enacted. For instance, the 
interlocutor may say, ''Did you have a merry Christmas?" 
and the person who has chosen the word "loquacious" pours 
forth a perfect torrent of words, describing his Christmas day. 
To another person the question may be '' Do you like dancing ? " 
The reply should come in tearful accents that parties always 
make him so weary and life is such a bore, at which he begins 
to weep. Of course, the word is "sad." This may continue 
indefinitely, and if the company is a responsive one it is very 
amusing. After one person has guessed several adjectives, 
have another one go out. 

A Fudge Party 

This can be made the joUiest sort of an evening. There 
are three varieties of fudge that are especially good — nut, 

139 



Novel Entertainments for 

maple, and chocolate; and three girls should be appointed 
to make these, with a lad to assist each cook. 

If chafing-dishes are used, the candy could be made in the 
dining-room, but the children will probably enjoy it more to go 
right out into the kitchen. Provide aprons for the workers, 
and caps for the boys as well as the girls. The hostess will have 
all she wants to do to superintend this undertaking, and she 
should have all the ingredients ready, but the nuts may be 
left for some good-natured lad to crack. 

The addition of marshmallows to the chocolate fudge will 
be found an improvement. Have the recipe for each variety 
written off and given to the ^^cook.'' Provide confectionery 
boxes, with waxed paper, so that each guest may have a sample 
to take home. After all this sweetness, you should serve a 
direct opposite for dessert; so I would suggest potato salad, 
cheese sandwiches, olives, and coffee or cider. If you can 
arrange for it, part of the company could shell and popcorn, 
which would be found a very acceptable addition. 

Menagerie 

Each person is given the name of an animal, and a circle is 
formed with a person in the middle, who is ^^it"; he calls the 
name of the animal a person represents three times, and if 
the one called does not respond by saying the name once, he or 
she has to take the middle and catch the next victim. It 
sounds simple, but just try it. Here is a list of the animals to 
have in your show: 

Horse, cat, bear, donkey, bison, muskrat, leopard, camel, 
elephant, alligator, snake, pig, mouse, opossum, rhinoceros, 
hippopotamus, sheep, tiger, monkey, frog, toad, squirrel 

An Evening on Mount Olympus 

This charming evening was original with the hostess and 
afforded the guests much pleasure. It is especially adapted to 

140 



Every Day in the Year 

school girls and boys, or to those who are inclined to study 
ancient history. By giving a hint to the guests to take a 
glimpse over their mythology one may make the affair more 
enjoyable. 

In the invitations those who are asked to assemble on 
"Mt. Olympus" are requested to appear attired as gods or 
goddesses. The rooms are profusely decorated with garlands of 
artificial roses, and the hostess is extremely attractive in her 
costume of ^^Hebe." After all have arrived, pass a cornucopia 
entwined with wheat, which contains a sprig of laurel, a sun- 
flower, narcissus, iris, olive, a partridge, a spider (these two 
may be found in the toy or favor department), a trident, and a 
host of other objects, suggestions for which are to be found by 
looking over a book on mythology. Each person draws an 
object and proceeds to give its particular legend. When a 
person is not able to guess, any one else is at liberty to tell the 
story. To the one w^ho tells the most tales award a copy of 
Hawthorne's ever-pleasing ''Tanglew^ood Tales." 

If the hostess wishes, those w^ho fail to tell any stories may 
be commanded to pay a forfeit to the ^*gods." 

The dining-room table is strewn with roses and rose petals, 
the centrepiece being a large epergne filled with grapes of 
different varieties. Peacock feathers garnish this effective 
piece, while from the chandelier a huge ''horn of plenty" is 
suspended by rose garlands, which extend to the four corners 
of the table, where they are fastened by rose and peacock blue 
ribbons. The place cards are small ''horns of plenty," bearing 
each a suitable quotation. 

The usual refreshments are served, with the addition of 
"nectar," w^hich is a fruit lemonade with plenty of maraschino 
cherries; and instead of ice cream "ambrosia," the food of the 
gods, is served, the glasses being decorated with a rose and 
smilax. When ready to leave the table the hostess pulls a 
ribbon which tips the "horn of plenty," and a shower of daintily 
wrapped confections mingled with confetti is the final surprise 
provided for the guests. 

141 



Novel Entertainments for 

The King of Hunky-Bunky 

This is a game which sounds very simple, but never fails to 
create amusement. Select two persons, place them at opposite 
sides of the room, the farther apart the better. Give each a 
lighted candle and tell them they must not laugh or even smile. 
They are to advance very slowly, looking each other directly 
in the eye. When they meet in the centre of the room, with 
hands uplifted, in great sorrow, one says: ''The King of 
Hunky-Bunky is defunct and dead." The other responds: 
''Alas, alas, how died he?'' The first person with increased 
sorrow says: "Just so — just so — just so." Then comes 
the response: "How sad — how sad — how sad!" The 
couple rarely ever get beyond announcing that the King is 
dead, before they are off in gales of laughter. A little prize 
may be awarded the couple who completely finish the message, 
something that may be divided, like a box of candy or a bunch 
of flowers. 

A Bonnet Party 

For real, genuine fun, give a Bonnet Party. Send out 
invitations to about fifteen or twenty congenial people, and 
request each lady to bring an old untrimmed hat, with all 
sorts of material for trimming. 

When all have arrived, put the hats on one table, the 
trimming on another, and have a supply of stout thread, 
needles, and thimbles. Pair the company by matching rosettes 
of baby ribbon, and then each man is to select a hat with the 
trimming, and proceed to concoct a creation worthy of his 
fair partner. Provide mirrors, so the effect may be tried while 
the hat is in process of construction. 

Allow an hour for the trimming, then call time, when the 
hats are to be judged by a committee. 

Award a prize for the best and another for the poorest 
work. Candy boxes in the form of hats, thimbles, and spools 
of thread make appropriate prizes. They could also be used 
for supper favors filled with bonbons or nuts. 

142 



Every Day in the Year 

Three Games which are Much in Favor with Young 
People in France 

In the game called '^ Portrait" one person leaves the room, 
while the others choose the name of some one they all know. 
The person on entering the room has to guess the name selected 
by asking questions to be answered by "yes" or "no." For 
instance: "Is it a man?" "No." "A woman?" "Yes." 
"Is she married?" "No." "Have I seen her to-day?" 
"Yes." "Has she fair hair?" "No." Sometimes the 
company choose the one who went outside for the "portrait" 
and the guessing is more difficult. 

The "Falling Soldier" is another diversion. The whole 
company stand in a row like soldiers. The order is to stretch 
the right arm forward, then the left one ; second kneel down on 
one knee only with the arms still outstretched ; then push your 
next neighbor and the whole file will collapse like a house of 
cards. 

"Le Singe" (the monkey) is a popular game among young 
girls who enjoy a hearty laugh upon one of the opposite sex. 
In fact it is really a practical joke. The monkey is the man 
selected to leave the room. When he returns silence reigns 
among the whole company; puzzled by the serious attitude, 
he naturally asks: "What is the matter?" They all repeat 
in chorus, "What is the matter?" The "monkey" probably 
says, "I do not understand," which is chorused after him. 
This continues until the monkey sees the joke, which of course 
he accepts good-naturedly. 

For Elderly Ladies 

Parties for elderly ladies are always delightful. One 
hostess asked a dozen guests for an afternoon, the youngest 
being sixty-five years old, or should I say "sixty-five years 
young"? Tea was served at early candlelight, a heated 
wagonette going for and conveying the guests to their homes. 

143 



Novel Entertainments for 

Each one brought with her some old-time treasure to promote 
reminiscent conversation. 

At 5 130 o'clock tea was announced and the dining-room 
table fairly ^'groaned" with good things — jellied chicken, cold 
ham, baking-powder biscuit, hot and fluffy mufl^s, hashed 
brown potatoes, jelly and preserves, spiced peaches, cucumber 
pickles, and candied fruits. 

Tea was poured at the table from an old-fashioned china 
teapot, with a sugar bowl and cream pitcher to match. Butter 
was also passed and put on little butter plates, another old- 
time custom. For dessert there was cup custard, canned cher- 
ries, unfrosted sponge cake, and several varieties of layer cake. 

A revolving caster, belonging to the hostess's grandmother, 
stood in the centre of the table, with a fruit and flower piece at 
either end. A bunch of pansies ^^ for thoughts " with the quota- 
tion, ^'For the pansies send me back a thought," was at each 
place, tied with lavender ribbon, the stems wrapped in tinfoil, 
— another old-time custom. 

The candlesticks were brass, and gold-band white china, 
the pride of our grandmothers' hearts, was used, with goblets 
instead of tumblers. The teaspoons were in an old-time revolv- 
ing spoon holder, an heirloom in the family, 

A Calico Party 

A CALICO party is not a bad idea in these days of the resur- 
rection of old styles and customs, and nothing better contributes 
to the genuine fun of an evening. 

Ask your guests to wear wash costumes; this means 
shirt-waist suits for the women, and duck trousers, with negligee 
shirts, for the men. Provide aprons of calico or cheese cloth, 
and cotton materials for neckties. Let partners be chosen 
by matching an apron and necktie material. Then in the 
allotted time, the men are to hem the aprons, sewing on the 
strings, while the girls must evolve neckties for their partners, 
either four-in-hand, Ascot, or string, as they may deem best. 

144 



Every Day 



1 n 



the Yea 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTION 

For Hallowe'en or an Old Maids' Party 

145 



Novel Entertainments for 

When time is called, prizes are to be awarded, after a care- 
ful examination of the submitted ^'creations." The men will 
don the ties, and the girls the aprons; and a grand march to a 
lively tune will be in order. If possible, have the dining-room 
decorated to represent an outdoor garden to add novelty to the 
affair. 

A Pie Party 

Invitations for a Pie Party were sent out on triangular 
pieces of cardboard to six couples, all intimate friends. When 
the guests arrived the men were auctioned off by the host, 
who was exceedingly clever. The doctor was introduced on 
the block in this manner: ^^A man often wanted, though 
much addicted to the bottle." The bidding was fast and 
furious until 25,000 beans bought the man to his purchaser. 
The coal dealer was described as ^' the man we think about when 
the snow flies." When all had secured partners the ladies 
were given pieces of pie made from two pieces of paper pie 
plates (such as bakers use), fastened together with ribbon. 
The filling was a piece of paper bearing the word "Cherry,'* 
or "Mince," or "Apple," or "Custard." Whatever pie was 
designated the man had to give a recipe for it, while the lady 
made it in pantomime. This was most amusing. For re- 
freshments all kinds of pie were served, with coffee and sand- 
wiches. 

A Cake Party 

"Will you come to my party on Thursday night in a cos- 
tume representing a cake, a cookie, or a doughnut?" so the 
invitations read that were received by the girls. Those ad- 
dressed to the men were the same, excepting that they were 
asked to come attired as bakers. On the night designated a 
most motley throng assembled, and peals of laughter greeted 
each cake as she arrived, accompanied by her baker. Some 
of the costumes were exceedingly clever. One girl in a pale 
corn-colored gown, trimmed with a fringe of tiny sponges and 

146 



Every Day in the Year 

a sponge in her hair, was recognized at once as sponge cake. 
Chocolate cake wore a gown of alternate ruflSes of brown and 
white, with a necklace of small chocolate squares. 

A girl in pure white was adorned with little red devils, 
and she wore a diabolical little imp in her hair; of course 
she was ^* devil's food." Bride's cake was represented by a 
girl in white, with veil and orange blossoms. Marble cake wore 
a gown made of patches of white, pink, and brown. And so the 
list went on until it seemed as if every recipe in the cookbook 
were present. 

After all had arrived the cakes were lined up, with the 
bakers in a line facing them. The hostess spoke to the first 
baker, and asked how he would make, say, sponge cake. 
After giving some sort of a formula he was permitted to take 
that cake out of the line and talk with her for ten minutes. 
In this manner all were provided with p"artners. Dancing was 
enjoyed for an hour ; then refreshments took up the balance of 
the evening, as chafing-dishes were used, the ^^ bakers " assisting. 
Ice cream was served in hoUowed-out sponge cakes, and was 
delicious so. 

An Old-Fashioned Party 

Invite the guests to come arrayed in the most ancient 
gowns they possess or can borrow. Even the men ought to be 
able to bring forth a dress coat of old-time cut. Then arrange 
a programme of songs in favor, say, fifty years ago. Serve tea, 
coffee, hot baking-powder biscuit, cold pressed chicken, boiled 
ham sliced, pickles and cup custard, with sponge cake and hot 
gingerbread, stick candy and apples. 

A Zoological Party 

This is an affair that will please the children. Arrange 
chairs, one for each guest, in a semicircle around a large 
blackboard. If twenty children are present, give each a 
card with a number on it, numbering the cards from one to 

147 



Novel Entertainments for 

twenty, with a tiny pencil attached to each with ribbon. The 
name of the child is written on the back of the card. Pass 
around slips of paper folded, and have each one promise not 
to tell what is written on his slip. The person in charge will 
then call the number, and each child must look to see what 
number is on the slip received. 

For instance, if two is called, the one holding the slip with 
that figure will get up and draw on the board a picture of the 
animal the paper designates, the others putting down on their 
cards opposite the number called, the animal they think it is. 
After twenty animals have been drawn and guessed, the correct 
list is read, the children marking their cards with the ones they 
have correct. 

The boy or girl who rightly guesses the greatest number will 
receive a prize. The one guessing the smallest number must 
also have a prize for consolation. A Noah's ark and a toy 
donkey would be appropriate. Serve animal crackers, with 
cocoa, chicken sandwiches, and arrowroot blancmange in 
individual moulds. 

A Paper Doll Party 

Here is an idea for a paper doll party worth passing on to 
the mothers who have little girls to entertain. The invitations 
said two o'clock, with the request to bring scissors. At the 
appointed hour a gay throng of ten-year-olds had arrived and 
were seated at sewing tables. Each child was permitted to 
select from a colored fashion plate the dress she liked the best. 
Heads had been cut out of advertisements; cutting out the 
dresses took some time. Then tissue paper, lace paper, and 
all sorts of odds and ends of paper were put on the table, and 
dresses made for the paper dolls that stand in little blocks 
and may be purchased for a trifle. Library paste was pro- 
vided, and a busy hour was spent. A pair of round-pointed 
scissors in a leather case delighted the little girl whose dress was 
voted the prettiest. 

The refreshment table was decorated with gayly dressed 

148 



Every Day in the Year 

paper dolls, which the girls took home with them, as well as the 
dolls which they dressed. Cocoa, chicken sandwiches, and 
crullers in shape of dolls were served. This mother said she 
had never given a party for children before with so little fatigue 
or friction. Perhaps it was because the boys were not invited. 
But I think boys could be entertained in the same way, for the 
secret of having children, as well as grown people, happy, is 
to keep them busy. 

A Poverty Party 

Write the invitations with a heavy pencil on red, brown, 
or blue paper, and, if possible, have them delivered by a mes- 
senger ^^ all tattered and torn," and just as forlorn-looking as he 
can be made. This will save postage, and, of course, the more 
the spirit of the affair is entered into, the greater success will be 
the party. Use pumpkins, carrots, turnips, and corn in decorat- 
ing. Pumpkins hollowed out and lined with oiled paper make 
fine receptacles for bonbons, which, in this instance, must be 
molasses and old-fashioned stick candy. Cabbages done in the 
same way may be used to hold salted peanuts. Stacks of corn 
stalks in the rooms will answer for palms, while large cornuco- 
pias made of brown paper and filled with leaves and grasses 
will make good wall decorations. Use paper flowers ; real ones 
would be far too expensive for a poverty party. 

Large pumpkins placed around the rooms will serve in 
lieu of chairs, and be sure to use kitchen chairs in the dining- 
room; all upholstered furniture must be banished from sight, 
as well as bric-a-brac. For lights, use old-fashioned barn 
lanterns, and candles in vegetable holders. The refreshments 
should consist of corn meal mush in crockery bowls, served 
with a bountiful supply of cream and sugar, brown and white 
bread sandwiches, apple and pumpkin pies, coffee in tin cups, 
doughnuts, and cookies. No tablecloth should be used, and 
paper napkins are proper for this frugal but wholesome repast. 
Use tin, wooden, and paper dishes, and serve cider from a 
large new breadpan, with a tin dipper. Offer a prize for the 

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Novel Entertainments for 

most poverty-stricken individual, and one for the worst hard- 
luck story — a big apple for one prize, a bag of popcorn for 
the other. 

A Lottery Bag 

This is a game enjoyed by children or grown-ups, and 
proves an entertaining feature for a party. Provide a large 
vase, with a neck which will admit the hand, or a bag with a 
draw string. Fill this receptacle with peanuts. Pass slips 
of paper to the guests and ask them to write down the number 
of nuts which they think they will draw out in one handful. 

Each takes a turn, and then puts down the actual number 
drawn out. The one who comes the nearest the first number 
receives a prize, and the person farthest away from the original 
guess receives a consolation prize. Serve salted peanuts, the 
'* Jumbo '' variety, peanut butter sandwiches, a salad, and peanut 
ice cream. 

Peanuts strung with beads make effective portieres. For 
people who really like peanuts, a soup made by adding the 
crushed nuts to a cream puree is very delicious. Serve it as a 
first course in bouillon cups. 

A «Pi'' Party 

The invitations were cut to represent the quarter of a pie, 
and they were so realistic as to seem good enough to eat. When 
the guests arrived they were divided into groups of four. To 
the first group were given typewritten slips bearing a queer 
mixture of letters, which the hostess said was four lines of a 
very popular old-time song. It proved to be '^Home, Sweet 
Home." The person solving the problem first handed the 
slip to the hostess. The next group had papers with the 
names of fifteen cities in a bad state of pi ; the one straightening 
out the names first handed in the slip. The third group had 
the following startling announcements: *^Eli Whitney wrote 
'The Crisis' "; *' Napoleon invented the cotton gin"; '^ Morse 

150 



Every Day in the Year 

invented the bicycle''; *^ Shakespeare was called the * Little 
Corporar"; etc. When time was called all handed in their 
papers, but prizes were given only to the ones who handed in 
the first correct answers. The rewards consisted of a copy of 
the '^Pied Piper of Hamlin," a real mince pie, and a pretty 
china pie plate. Pie was a feature of the refreshments. 

Pink Bal Poudre 

For a formal dancing party nothing is prettier than a 
pink hal poudre: The ladies all wear powdered hair, beauty 
patches, and pink gowns ; and the men wear pink neckties and 
a pink ribbon across the shirt front. 

The decorations are pink, and the refreshments consist of 
pink ices and creams, with pink frosted cakes and bonbons. 
If it is a cotillion, the favors are all pink, with pink candles and 
shades. For a few hours, at least, the world is viewed through 
rose-colored glasses. 

Pink is such a becoming color that every one can wear it, 
especially with powdered hair; the men may don white wigs, 
with the peruke tied with a huge pink bow. 

A Surprise Party 

Let each girl prepare a basket or box of luncheon for two, 
just as daintily as possible. On arriving pile their boxes in 
one place. After the surprise is over, suggest some good 
games. Then blindfold one boy at a time and let him select 
a basket or box and stand in line with his treasure unopened. 
After all are supplied, each one is to have three guesses to 
determine which girl prepared the refreshment. When 
partners are found go to the dining-room, where, doubtless, 
some willing member of the family will have provided drink- 
ables and arranged a pretty table. 

Fun with Soap Bubbles 

A PRETTY way to amuse one child, or any number of chil- 
dren, is to cover sewing tables with an old blanket, or any soft 

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Novel Entertainments for 

material that will make a soft pad. Then procure little bowls 
of blue, yellow, or the so-called Dutch ware, a quantity of 
clay pipes, and several bolts of baby ribbon — the penny- 
a-yard quality will do. 

Wind the pipe stems with ribbon, tying a jaunty bow at the 
bowl. Of course it will get w^et, but it looks pretty when the 
pipes are passed. Fill the bowls with a mixture made from 
boiling shaved castile soap in water; to every pint of this 
liquid add one tablespoon of glycerine. The pipes should 
have a rim of soap around the inside of the bowl, which makes 
the balls grow to an immense size. This formula always 
produces the largest and most gorgeous bubbles imaginable. 

Offer prizes for the bubbles lasting the longest, for the one 
with the most vivid coloring, and for the one largest in circum- 
ference. By the way, grown people have been known to 
indulge in soap-bubble parties with great satisfaction. The 
bubbles may be blown or fanned about the room, and it is a 
beautiful sight to see twenty-five or thirty of them in the air at 
the same time. 

The Bird Sellers, a Game for Children 

A JOLLY game for children is called ''The Bird Sellers." 
Arrange the players in a row, leaving two outside. These 
two are to represent the bird buyers. Give to each child the 
name of some bird; one will be a crow, one a crane, another 
a canary, etc. One bird dealer says to the other: 

^'I wish to buy a bird." 

''What kind?" inquires the other. 

"A bird that can fly swiftly," says the first buyer. 

"Very well, take what you wish." 

"Then," says the first buyer, "I'll take a robin." 

As soon as he says this the "robin" child must jump out 
of the row and run around, trying to escape. If the dealer 
catches the bird, the captured one stays until the other "birds" 
h:ive been selected and caught. 

152 



Every Day in the Year 



A Peanut Party 

Peanut Parties are always enjoyable and easy to prepare. 
On the invitations fasten a peanut shell, or have a string of 
peanuts painted on the card in water colors. Have a generous 
supply of peanuts concealed in the rooms, in every spot imagi- 
nable, behind pictures, under rugs, on window sills, etc. 

When the guests have arrived, give each one a silk bag or 
paper sack and let the hunt begin, each man for himself. 
After a half-hour, call time and count the spoils, awarding a 
prize of a box of salted peanuts for the greatest number, and a 
bag of unshelled nuts for the smallest lot. 

Next provide some peanuts, toothpicks, pen and ink, tissue 
paper, and gum, and allow ten minutes for the making of a doll. 
The result will be most amusing. Serve peanut sandwiches, 
coffee, salted peanuts, peanut candy, and ice cream with pea- 
nuts in it. Write quotations and place inside peanut shells, one 
for each guest. 

Decorate the table with peanuts strung like popcorn and 
arranged over the cloth in fanciful designs. 

A Quaker Tea Party 

A JOLLY set of girls were deploring the dilapidated condi- 
tion of their wardrobes, after the summer at various resorts, 
and were wondering how they could get ready for an "after- 
noon" for a strange girl to whom they wished to do special 
honor. They solved the problem by issuing invitations for a 
Quaker Tea Party. The guests were asked to come attired 
as Quakeresses. All persons were to be addressed by their 
first names, and there would be a penalty imposed if the pro- 
nouns "thee" and "thou" were not used exclusively. It is 
needless to say that it was a most enjoyable afternoon, and the 
girls looked so bewitching in their plain skirts, snowy kerchiefs, 
and simply dressed hair, that some of the men, who "just 
dropped in," said they wished that style might become the 

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Novel Entertainments for 

fashion. These wholesome refreshments were served, gold- 
banded white china and perfectly plain silver spoons being 
used : Chicken salad, tiny hot biscuit, custard in old-fashioned 
glasses, with brown crusty sponge cake, tea and coffee. 

A Chinese Party 

For a change from things Japanese, we shall call this affair 
a Chinese Party. Send out invitations on red cardboard, with 
the writing running up and down the page; watch a China- 
man in a laundry make out his bill and you will get the idea. 
The gorgeous flag of our Oriental friends may be used most 
effectively with the bright cotton cloth known as Turkey red. 
Use quantities of red and yellow flowers either real or of tissue 
paper. Of course, the ever-pleasing Chinese lantern will 
swing from every available spot ; also the paper umbrellas and 
fans. Throw superstition to the winds and arrange peacock 
feathers in tall vases against a red background. They are in 
great favor with our yellow-skinned neighbors. 

Spread the dining-room table with a scarlet cloth, and if 
possible use the beautiful Canton china. The centrepiece 
should be a Chinese lily ; the bulbs may be purchased ; they are 
not expensive, nor hard to grow. Rice and chop sticks should 
figure in the refreshments; then there could be sandwiches 
made from salmon or sardines, tea both hot and cold, and 
candied ginger bonbons. 

A Hen Party 

If you can paint in water colors, now is the time to show 
your skill. Cut out a chicken from cardboard and decorate 
with feathers, writing the day and hours ; probably from three to 
six is the most convenient time. Write *^ Thimbles," and then 
provide lace and insertion for turnovers, one to be taken home 
by each guest as a souvenir. During the afternoon serve an 
iced drink, and then at five have the refreshments. Porches 

154 



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Every Day in the Year 

arranged with pillows, chairs, tables, and screens are the 
favorite places for entertaining parties of this kind. It would 
add interest to the affair to ask each guest to wear something 
indicating some noted woman, a book title whose author was 
a woman, some historical personage, etc. Award a prize to 
the one who guesses the most characters. Serve a salad and 
wafers or sandwiches, with a ginger mint, or grape sherbet, 
small cakes, and stuffed dates. 

For place cards candy boxes which look like real spools of 
thread and thimbles are just the thing, 

What We do not Know 

A CLEVER way to fill in a half-hour is to pass papers bearing 
at the top these words: ^^What we do not know.'' For the 
men here is a sample of the questions, and the hostess will 
easily see how she may fit more questions to the individuality 
of her guests. 

"How would you make out a dinner menu for six persons, 
your allowance being two dollars and a half? Give items." 
"How would you make and trim a lingerie waist?" 
"What is meant by a gored skirt, and what is applique?" 
For the ladies give questions like these : "What is meant by 
double entry ? " "What would you do with a draft for $ioo ? " 
"What would you do if a rich man and a poor man proposed at 
the same time?" At an informal party of congenial people 
this will afford much amusement, 

<<At Homes'* for Children 

Realizing that an only child is at best a lonely little mor- 
tal, needing the companionship of children, a clever mother has 
devised this scheme for the entertainment of the neighborhood 
children. Every mother knows that it is oftentimes very 
inconvenient to have other people's children running in and 
out at all hours and at all times; neither does she wish (if she 

155 



Novel Entertainments for 

has a conscience) to allow her young hopeful to go to '^ Johnny's 
house" when she is not absolutely certain that his mother will 
welcome the young visitor ; yet amusement is very essential to 
the coming men and women. Notes like the following may 
be sent to the respective mothers: ''Frances and I will be at 
home every Tuesday afternoon from three until five o'clock, 
and we will be glad to have [Jack] and [Jill] spend those hours 
with us." On these days valuable bits of bric-a-brac are put 
out of harm's way, and small chairs, tables, and toys are given 
first place. Simple refreshments are served, the children do- 
ing honors. Sandwiches of entire wheat bread, cocoa, cus- 
tards, wafers, prune whip, baked apples, and sometimes tiny 
cups of bouillon with alphabet letters are suggestions for menus. 
The mother keeps in the background as much as possible, allow- 
ing the children to be free from restraint. 

One mother also makes it a practice to invite some 
child to dinner each w^ek, and these invitations are most 
eagerly accepted. At this meal the menu is planned as far as 
practicable to meet the personal likes of the little hostess and 
the guest. Even four-year-old children like to be consulted, 
and will express a preference as to flowers, candies, and kind 
of cake. It is a wise mother who early begins to cultivate the 
individuality and personality of her child, and the time is 
well spent. 

A Lawn Party 

There is nothing that will make a Lawn Party so pretty as 
quantities of Chinese lanterns, and there cannot be too many 
used. Then if without much expense the grounds can be 
wired with electric lights, they will make a veritable fairy land 
glimmering in the trees. The colored bulbs are very effective. 
Have plenty of rugs scattered about, w^ith seats; a fern deco- 
rated table with Si frapp e of fruit lemonade, a tent or canvas 
awning for the serving of light refreshments, a platform for 
dancing, with a stringed orchestra of three or five pieces, will 
afford the requisites for a most delightful party. 

156 



Every Day in the Year 

For the dance nothing could be prettier than a floral cotil- 
lion or German. After a few ordinary dances, have the German 
led by an older person. All the favors should be of flowers, 
both real, artificial, and of tissue paper. Make boats, wreaths, 
fans, wands with bunches of flowers at the end, and countless 
other things that will come to mind. Decorate with garlands 
of paper flowers ; wind the staircase and the chandeliers with 
them. 

Serve the ice cream in tiny flowerpots, with a flower in the 
top, and the cake may be ornamented with candy roses. For 
the first dance pair the couples by finding duplicate flowers. 
A piano with a good performer will furnish the music, if you do 
not want the expense of an orchestra. 

A Retrospect Party 

Here is an entertainment the details of which are so old 
that they are really the newest thing to be done. Invitations 
were sent out to twenty intimate friends asking them to come 
costumed as children. The following couplet was written at 
the top of each invitation : 

*' Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight, 
Make me a child again just for to-night." 

On the evening designated the women arrived in short 
skirts, pantalets, hair in braids or flowing with round combs; 
the men appeared in knickerbockers, blouses, and ^^ Little 
Lord Fauntleroy" suits. 

'^ Stage Coach,'' ^^ Button, Button, Who 's got the Button?'' 
and "Blind Man's Buff" were played with the fervor of the long 
ago. All sorts of childish games were recalled and old songs, 
such as ''Where Is Now the Merry Party?" ''Nellie Gray," 
etc. When supper was announced the table and refreshments 
were in keeping with the games. A doll was the centrepiece, 
the favors were all kinds of toys. Each "girl" and each "boy" 
had a tiny basket of old-fashioned candy mice and hearts, 

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Novel Entertainments for 

with a stick of peppermint candy which was tied on the handle. 
A bib was at each plate instead of a napkin, also a *^ pusher'' 
and a baby spoon. Books were placed on some of the chairs 
to make them high enough. Mush and milk was served in 
blue bowls, with slices of toast, ginger cookies, and doughnuts 
fried in shape of dolls ; animal crackers and sandwiches com- 
pleted this simple repast. Every one pronounced it the jol- 
liest affair imaginable, and the hostess said she had never 
entertained with so little worry. 

« 
A House-Warming 

A HOSTESS going into her new home had planned this 
clever house-warming. The invitations had in one corner a 
snapshot of the house and requested your presence at ^^the 
hanging of the crane," *^the smoking of the peace pipe" and 
*^the lighting of the hearth fire." When the guests arrived 
they were met by a courier, who conducted them to the coat- 
room and then to the living-room. When all had arrived, the 
host, with due pomp and ceremony, lit the fire, and some one 
read Longfellow's ^^ Hanging of the Crane." The next move 
was to the library, where the same ceremony of lighting the 
fire was gone through, and the motto carved on the, mantel 
was read aloud : 

"Old wood to burn, 

Old friends to trust, 

Old books to read." 

The music-room came next, the piano being opened and 
^^Auld Lang Syne" being sung, also ^^Home, Sweet Home." 
In this manner the upstairs rooms were visited, the dining-room 
being reserved until the last. After the hearth fire had been 
lighted the guests were seated around the table. Each oaken 
beam in the ceiling bore a motto, which the guests read, and 
after discussing a delicious repast of individual oyster pies, 
celery salad, coffee, brown bread, sandwiches, and maple 
mousse, the pipe of peace was lighted and passed to the men, 

158 



Every Day in the Year 

and a loving cup to the ladies; and so the new home was 
consecrated to the family and friends who, as one writer says, 
are the ^'ornaments of a home.'' 

The following verse was written on the place cards : 

"Peace to this house, when we shall enter in! 
Here let the world's hoarse din 
Against the panels dash itself in vain, 
Like gusts of Autumn rain; 
Here, knowing no man's sway, 
In the brief pauses of the fight, 
Let music sound, and love and laughter light 
Refresh us for the day." 

Children's Parties 

In the first place, do not make the mistake of asking too 
many. Fourteen is a good number, or ten, for little people 
need a great deal of individual attention. If possible have 
one or two friends to assist in the entertainment. Such games 
as ^' Going to Jerusalem," ''Drop the Handkerchief," ''Here 
we go round the Mulberry Bush," "London Bridge," and 
"Pussy wants a Corner," are always favorites with the children, 
and never seem to lose their novelty. 

Most of the games are more interesting if played to music. 

Provide a low table with red chairs, such as are used in 
kindergartens and infant-class Sunday-school rooms. 

Red candles, with a bowl of scarlet flowers, and red candles 
in the cake in rose holders, make the table very pretty. Small 
red-paper holders come to contain bonbons, which should be 
sugar peppermints for the wee guests. 

Place cards may be made by pasting dainty childish pict- 
ures on red cardboard, using black, gold, or white ink for 
lettering the names and date. 

Invitations for children's parties may be written on the 
quaintly decorated paper that comes especially for the purpose, 
or small-sized note paper may be used. Refreshments should 
be simple: plain sandwiches, cocoa, animal crackers, bread 

159 



Novel Entertainments for 

sticks. Some of the Swiss milk chocolates are as delicious as 
bonbons. Serve ice cream in ramakins and there should be 
small cups and spoons. 

Bibs are appreciated by the mothers, while paper nap- 
kins should also be provided, as the children love the gay 
colors, especially the Japanese ones that come folded in the 
shape of animals. 

A Doll Party 

Girls are not usually as fond of games as boys, so invite 
them to a Doll Party. Provide a dozen inexpensive dolls (or 
let each child bring her own doll), then collect a lot of pretty 
scraps, with scissors, needles, and thread, and for an hour 
let the children sew — they will thoroughly enjoy it. For 
refreshments serve ice cream in cups covered by a dolly dressed 
in crepe tissue paper ; the full skirt goes over the cup or glass, 
and the dolly stands upright ; it does not take long to dress the 
dolls. Give one to each child for a souvenir. 

Or, have a Cutting and Pasting Party. Collect pretty 
pictures with which to make scrapbooks, and good pictures 
suitable for cutting into odd pieces from which to make 
puzzles. Make a blank book from pieces of plain smooth 
paper, then let the children illustrate the book from advertise- 
ments ; nearly every article under the sun may be found in 
magazine advertisements. 

A number of these books and puzzles may be made, also 
paper dolls, and sent to amuse sick children in hospital wards 
and institutions. 

A Stork Party 

Coming events cast their shadows before, and the rustling 
of a stork's wings gives the up-to-date hostess an opportunity 
of giving a very novel and altogether attractive affair. All 
the world loves a baby, and I am sure when the little strangers 

i6o 



Every Day in the Year 

arrive, they will be all the happier on account of the good 
time their mothers had at this Stork Luncheon. 

There were four honored guests and six intimate friends, 
and they had conspired with the hostess to make the party a 
success. On the four chairs at the table bibs were tied; the 
favors were dainty celluloid rattles, and white storks bore the 
place cards in their bills ; but at the four plates each bird had 
a baby done up in a small square of linen. The table centre- 
piece was a gilt cradle, with a canopy of dotted swiss tied with 
pink ribbons. Tiny pink rosebuds were scattered over the 
table with maidenhair ferns. The napkins were folded like 
doll babies and were pinned with safety pins. Candles, fairy 
lamps, and a number of little night lamps gave the illumination, 
while advertisements of all the baby foods adorned the walls ; 
these had been cut from magazines and mounted on cardboard. 
There were also numerous advertisements of go-carts and 
high-chairs. The menu consisted of celery soup, bread sticks, 
chicken cutlets, mashed potatoes, spaghetti, and tomatoes; a 
fruit salad, ice cream served in round rings, with tiny bottles 
labelled ^* Paregoric," angel food and chocolate, with the usual 
accessories of nuts, bonbons, and olives. 

In the living-room after the repast the guests found a large 
stork, some five feet high, which disgorged various-sized pack- 
ages when its wings were pressed. As the parcels were marked 
it did not take long for each one of the four to discern ^^ whose 
was whose.'' There were dainty bootees, caps, bibs, and all 
sorts of things for the diminutive wardrobe, and a merry time 
ensued. At five the hostess served what she said was camo- 
mile tea, also a concoction made from anise seed, and ^'educa- 
tor'' crackers. On departing the guests received small boxes, 
which, on opening, revealed a soap baby and a doll's nursing 
bottle. The hostess made the large stork from cardboard, 
cotton wadding, some feathers which a kindly butcher saved, 
a bottle of mucilage^ and black paint, with a good stork model 
to work from. The bird was held steady on the floor by white 
ribbons fastened to a hook in the ceiling. 

i6i 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Christening Party 

To begin with, the rooms were lighted with pink candles, 
which were in a row on top of the piano, on the mantels, and 
on the tops of bookcases. The gas jets were turned down very 
low and shaded with pink tissue paper. Palms were banked 
in the front window, and the shades drawn. The hour was 
four in the afternoon. To use as a font, there was a sil- 
ver bowl on a pedestal surrounded by a wreath of pink 
rosebuds. 

This baby's mother had so many friends that it was hard to 
choose who should be the godmother, so she asked eight of 
her ^^ nearest and dearest" to act in this capacity. They were 
all young ladies, and wore gowns of white. At the appointed 
hour, when the beautiful music began, they came down the 
stairway two by two and formed a half-circle in front of the 
window. The father and mother followed, then the dear 
three-months-old baby in the arms of her grandfather. She 
wore her mother's christening robe — a fine specimen of 
French needlework. The little maiden was given to her 
father, and the minister began the impressive baptismal 
service. When he asked ^^What shall this child's name be?" 
the godmothers responded with the name, which happened to 
be "Frances." 

A lullaby completed this very beautiful service. A 
quartette of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, with violin and 
piano, furnished the music. Light refreshments were served 
from a pink rose-decorated table, the godmothers taking turns 
in pouring. The hostess was gowned in pink, the whole affair 
assuming the rose color, as befitted the tiny miss, who all un- 
consciously, was the centre of attraction. 

Sugared almonds were given to the guests in white favor 
boxes, following out a French custom, as these confections 
always figure in a christening party, and the godparents as 
well as friends of the infant's parents bestowed christening 
gifts upon the honored babe. 

162 



Every Day in the Year 



*" Games for Children 

Hunt the Ring. — Form the children in a circle, place one 
of the party in the centre, and ask the circle of youngsters to 
sit down on the floor. A cord is then passed to them on which 
there is a ring. Each child keeps his hands moving rapidly, 
thus concealing the ring from the person in the middle who is 
endeavoring to see who has the ring. When it is correctly 
located the one who has it takes the centre. 

Blindman's Buff with a Wand. — Blindfold one of the 
company, who stands inside a circle formed by the others, 
with a light cane or wand in his hands. The children circle 
round the ^^blind man" until a rap with the stick calls a halt. 
He then points his rod, and the one nearest it takes hold and 
must reply to three questions asked by the blind man, who 
tries to guess who it is. The captive of course uses every 
means to disguise his voice; if guessed correctly he takes the 
place in the centre. 

The Elephant and his Trunk. — A large paper elephant 
minus his trunk is tacked on the wall, then to each child is 
given a paper trunk and a pin. Each in turn is blindfolded, 
taken to the end of the room, and turned around three times 
and started toward the elephant. The one who pins the trunk 
on nearest the proper place is given a prize. 

Going to Jerusalem. — As many chairs, less one, as there 
are players are arranged in a row, then the children are formed 
in line, with a leader; a march is played on the piano, and the 
line moves around the chairs. The instant the music ceases, 
the children try to secure a seat ; of course one is left standing. 
He takes the lead, a chair is removed from the line, the music 
begins, and the game continues until there is one chair left, 
with two contestants marching around it. The one finally 
securing the seat is said to have arrived at Jerusalem. 

Hide the Thimble, to music. — Let some one hide the thim- 
ble, then the one at the piano plays loud or sof-t according to 
whether the seeker is ^^hot" or *^cold.'' 

163 



Novel Entertainments for 

An Anecdote Tea Party 

The invitations bore this request : 

*'If you a humorous anecdote can tell, 
Bring it with you the mirth to swell/' 

"Tea served in the Chrysanthemum Dairy from two to five." 

After all had assembled, the anecdotes were related, and 
created much merriment. Many of them were original and 
clever sayings of children, and a number were personal remi- 
niscences of notable people. Then a vote was taken for the 
best story; the rewards were dainty books of quotations and 
sentiments. 

Then all repaired to the ^^ dairy" in the blue-and-white 
dining-room. A large milk-pail was on either end of the 
table; from one was ladled buttermilk, from the other sweet 
milk. A market basket filled with chrysanthemums was in 
the centre of the table. The young girls who served wore 
short skirts of yellow with black velvet bodices, white yokes 
and sleeves, white Dutch caps and two huge yellow ^^mums" 
at either side of their heads. 

The refreshments consisted of sandwiches, gingerbread, tea, 
homemade fudge, and molasses candy. Little milkstools and 
pails filled with nuts were the favors. 

A Hunt for Deer 

Perhaps the hostess had the quaint old story of the 
Mistletoe Bough in mind when she concocted this amusing 
entertainment; only, a very much alive young woman was to 
be discovered in the chest, instead of the bones of the little 
English bride in her wedding gown. 

Ten jolly girls were guests of the house for a week-end 
party, and ten equally jolly men received notes to appear at 
eight o'clock to participate in a hunt for ^^deer." Not a girl 
was in sight, and the hostess explained that a half-hour would 
be allowed for discovering the whereabouts of each lassie. 

164 



Every Day 



1 n 



the Year 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTIONS 
For a Good Luck Party 



Novel Entertainments for 

And what fun they had! The girls had shown great 
ingenuity in stowing themselves away, but all were hunted 
down except the tallest, slimmest girl in the crowd; she finally 
was brought to bay inside of a man's ulster hanging on the 
rack. 

A chafing-dish supper completed a very merry evening. 

Progressive Candy Jackstraws 

Provide a quarter of a pound of twisted candy sticks 
known as *^ opera" sticks in most candy shops. They come 
in all colors and there must be a different color for each table, 
four at a table. A pair of candy tongs must be in readiness 
for each player, and a box for containing the candy straws. 
The game is to see how many sticks may be withdrawn from 
the pile without breaking or throwing the pile into confusion. 
Progressions are made, and the score kept. Prizes are awarded 
consisting of candy canes, pipes, cigarettes, etc., for the men, 
and fancy candy favors for the girls. Children enjoy this 
entertainment, and eating the sticks won is permissible. 

For an Artist Luncheon 

There were six art students who had been together for 
several years, and this luncheon was given one of the party 
on the eve of her departure for Europe. The centrepiece was 
a plaster cast of Psyche; the candlesticks were of china in 
the shape of slender white columns. The name cards were on 
little easels, and each was decorated with a tiny water-color 
sketch. Candy palettes were the bonbons, with natural little 
dabs of colored candy paint. The ice cream was served on 
paint pans, and the cakes were ornamented with dabs of colored 
icing. 

A beautiful sketch book was given the guest of honor in 
which each friend had written a sentiment and made a tiny 
thumb-nail drawing. 

i66 




THE CHAFING-DISH EQUIPMENT 



Every Day in the Yea 



Chafing-Dish Suppers 

In selecting a chafing-dish be sure to see that the burner has 
a lamp and wick, as they are more economical than the open or 
padded lamp. Wood alcohol burns satisfactorily and is not 
expensive ; the main thing is to have the lamp always full. The 
chafing-dish has become so popular that china is made espe- 
cially for use at chafing-dish parties. Sets come for Welsh 
rabbit, and there are also spoons, forks, bowls, receptacles 
for oil and vinegar, silver cans for holding alcohol, fancy egg- 
beaters and strainers. For safety, always stand the chafing- 
dish on a tray; close at hand have another tray or small 
serving tftble with every article on it that will be necessary in 
preparing the meal. Keep the plates hot in the kitchen oven, 
with toast and crackers ready to bring in when needed. 

Never try to serve two hot dishes to be prepared for the 
same repast. One will spoil while the other is making, that is, 
if there is but one cook and one chafing-dish. The secret of 
success in these suppers is not to attempt too much, and to 
plan every detail beforehand. Wooden spoons are the best 
to use in making chafing-dish mixtures, as they do not become 
hot, are noiseless, and do not scratch the pan. 

A delicious supper may be prepared entirely upon the 
chafing-dish. Ask three of the guests to bring their own 
chafing-dishes, — have the articles for each one in readiness, — 
the hostess using her own dish. Such affairs are delightfully 
informal. The four can easily prepare a supper for fourteen 
persons. Of course, when capable the men are allowed to 
assist. 

A Cinderella Tea 

" Her feet beneath her petticoat 
Like little mice stole in and out.*' 

This was the rhyme the invitations bore, with a golden 
slipper and a witch's pointed hat and broomstick in the 
corners. Yellow candlesticks were used, with yellow flowers 

167 



Novel Entertainments for 

in all the rooms. The dining-room was gorgeous; the china 
was white and gold, with an old-fashioned brass tea-kettle 
in which ^^ the cup that cheers '' was brewed. Sandwiches were 
tied with yellow ribbon, the salad was covered with mayonnaise, 
garnished with tiny hearts cut from slices of tongue. Orange 
baskets were filled with yellow ice and served with sunshine 
cake. 

Each guest was given a glass slipper containing a yellow 
rose. A huge pumpkin was passed containing candy mice of 
white and brown. A pair of Turkish embroidered sandals 
were given the lady wearing the smallest shoe. 

A Harvard Spread 

Here the rich, warm, crimson color predominates. Ameri- 
can Beauty roses furnish flowers of the correct hue. If men 
from different colleges are to be present, it is a pretty compli- 
ment to tie the alma mater colors on their place cards. For 
souvenirs give miniature steins filled with small bonbons. 

Serve fried oysters, sandwiches of olives and nuts, lobster 
salad, cherry pie, cheese, and coffee. 

A Princeton Smoker 

Over the dining-room curtains hang drapery of gorgeous 
orange cheesecloth, tie back with broad bands of black. If 
there are window seats pile them high with usable sofa pillows 
of the same colors. Orange candles can be obtained, also 
shades. At each plate lay a corncob pipe tied with ribbon, 
the name marked on the pipe bowl. For candy boxes, make 
*^ Black-eyed Susans" from orange and black tissue paper. 
Have matches and ash receivers conveniently placed, also 
a dish of nuts and a plate of apples. 

Serve devilled crabs, French fried potatoes, tomato and 
cucumber salad, wafers, and orange gelatine. 

i68 



Every Day in the Year 



A Superstition Party 

There were thirteen guests, a ladder was put up on the 
front porch so all would have to pass under it to enter the 
house. All the black cats in the neighborhood were borrowed 
for the occasion, and salt was spilled in front of each place at 
the table. The party was on Friday, the thirteenth day of 
the month, and each guest was asked to tell his favorite super- 
stition. The favors were scissors, knives, and tiny purses 
without the proverbial lucky cent. No member of this party 
died within the year; all remained good friends; and in spite 
of the looking-glass which the hostess shattered just before 
going into the dining-room, no one had bad luck. 



169 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER XIV-- BIRTHDAY PARTIES 

Suggestions for Luncheons, Dinners, and Teas 
A Rhyme Luncheon 

A LUNCHEON, at which the guests were to determine 
the menu by the written rhymes contained in a little 
flower-decorated booklet, was a great success. These 
few specimens will show a hostess how to evolve more doggerel 
to suit the articles she may desire to serve. For instance, 
clam bouillon was represented by these touching lines: 

"I'm hard to get, 
For I love the wet, 

I'm conservative, men say. 
But now I'm caught, 
And hither brought, 

I start the meal to-day." 

Olives were announced thus : 

"I'm green when I'm ripe and I grow on a tree, 
A favorite fruit of the Spanish grandee.'' 

Chicken on toast was heralded in this manner: 

"I'm neither a bird, nor a beast, nor a fish, 
Yet when I'm fried I'm a very good dish; 
And when I'm young and covered with down, 
I'm fresh in the country, but seldom in town." 

Ice cream was served in tulip-flower cases; hence the 
following : 

"Although cold by nature, 

I'm. favored by all. 
And there 's scarcely a luncheon, 

Or dinner, or ball 
At which I'm not present; 

And I'm happy to say 
There 's no place in town 

Where I've not the entreeJ* 
170 



Every Day in the Year 



A Cooperative Dinner 

One of the most up-to-date methods of entertaining is the 
Cooperative Dinner. Two or more ladies get together and 
plan the menu, preparing their very special dishes. The place 
cards, favors, and decorations are worked out accordingly. 
The guests, never more than ten, are invited, no names being 
mentioned, it merely being stated that they are asked to attend 
a ^* cooperative dinner'' at such an hour and place. The 
expense is divided between the hostesses. The ladies who 
have tried this plan, and the guests who have participated in 
the feast, declare that the scheme is an admirable one. 



A Coiffure Dinner 

This suggestion is decidedly clever. The hostess sent 
out invitations to ten guests, asking them to dinner; she also 
asked them to come with their heads dressed to represent some 
period or person. It was very interesting when all were seated 
at the table to see what a change had been wrought by the 
unusual headdress. The host wore a peruke and a black bow 
on his white wig; he was, of course, hailed as '^the Father of 
his Country." The hostess was *^ Martha," with powdered 
hair dressed in smooth bands and a high shell comb. 

One lady had her hair ornamented with autumn leaves 
and tiny bunches of artificial grapes. She was at once dubbed 
**Autumn." Another whose hair was raven black, wore a 
coronet of gold stars, with a crescent moon, and she was 
*^ Queen of the Night." The funny man of the crowd had a 
wire bed-spring fastened on either side of his head, from which 
hyacinths and daffodils apparently were growing. Of course 
he was called ^* Spring." 

The candle and gas shades were paper masks, and the 
effect was very pretty. The usual course dinner was served, 
with toasts to the personages who were represented. 

171 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Dutch Supper 

A VERY popular form of entertainment is the Dutch Supper. 
If it is possible, do not use a tablecloth, but have doilies of 
orange crepe paper; that is the Dutch color. Use all the 
Delft china that is procurable ; imitation ware is very effective 
and very cheap. Tulips are the Dutch flower, and tulip- 
shaped bonbon boxes and candle shades may be made from 
orange tissue paper. Little wooden shoes may be purchased 
and used to hold the salted nuts. Serve the following menu, 
which is written in Dutch, much to the mystification of the 
guests. The translation is given for the benefit of the hostess : 

Kalf Soep met Gehak Ballen. 

(Veal soup with garnish of meat balls.) 

Gebraden Tong. 

(Roasted Tongue.) 

Brussels Sprinten. 

(Brussels sprouts.) 

Bloemkool met Room Sause. 

(Creamed cauliflower.) 

Haring Sla met Croodjes. 

(Herring salad with rolls.) 

Gesneden Sinaas Appelen met Wyne Sause. 

(Sliced oranges with wine sauce.) 

Gesorteerde Noten. 

(Assorted nuts.) 

Kaffee. 

(Coffee.) 

A Twelve O'clock Breakfast 

Serve either a fruit salpicon of oranges, pineapple, and 
bananas, in glasses, or clam bouillon; a good brand of the 
canned bouillon will be found satisfactory. Sweetbreads or 
chicken with peas and potatoes in some form come next; 
then a lettuce and tomato salad with cheese wafers and a fro- 
zen dessert. If coffee has not been served with the repast, it 
is a pretty English custom to serve it in the drawing-room, 
the tray being brought in and the hostess pouring. Small 

172 



Novel Entertainments for 




PLACE CARD SUGGESTION 
For a Dutch Supper 



Novel Entertainments for 

cups are used. This luncheon could precede a card party or 
an afternoon musicale. 

A Mother Goose Luncheon 

A Mother Goose Luncheon is indeed an affair out of the 
ordinary. In the invitations, which had quaint little pen- 
and-ink sketches on them of Mother Goose with peaked hat and 
a broom, ready to ^^ sweep the cobwebs down from the sky," 
the guests were requested to wear something to indicate a 
character in the dear old nursery rhymes. The centrepiece 
on the table was an enormous ^^pie," with a ribbon radiating 
to each plate, where a little woolly lamb was tied to it. The 
place cards had tiny ^^ spiders" attached to them. Each guest 
was called upon to recite the rhyme she represented when 
she was correctly guessed. This was the occasion of much 
merriment. 

When the dessert course was brought in, the hostess asked 
all to pull their ribbons, and out of the "pie' ^ came all sorts of 
birds. They had been found at the favor counters, and elicited 
much comment. "There is no telling what can be found until 
you begin to look," said this indefatigable hostess, who is ever 
on the alert for something new. The souvenirs, which were a 
joy to the guests, were small Japanese teapots, bearing a card 
on which was written: "Polly, put the kettle on, and we'll all 
drink tea." 

A copy of "Mother Goose " was the prize for the person who 
guessed the most characters. It was a very jolly party that 
departed, and proved without doubt that we are all only 
"children of a larger growth." 

Novel Place Cards 

A HOSTESS noted for her clever schemes had these novel 
place cards at a dinner party given for six intimate friends. 
She obtained pictures of the guests, taken when they were 

174 



Every Day in the 



ear 



babies or children, none over ten years of age. These she 
laid on white cards, tying with scarlet ribbon, and put one at 
each plate, telling her friends that they could find their own 
places. 

A merry time ensued before the railway magnate discovered 
himself in the lad with his velocipede, and the white-haired ma- 
tron was found in the demure maiden hugging a doll baby. 
A round, chubby-faced youngster of six was claimed by the 
judge, while the fair debutante was revealed in a tiny baby 
clutching a stick of candy in one hand, and an orange in the 
other. The ice was broken at once, and the dinner was 
pronounced a success from start to finish. 

A Chocolateier 

To be up-to-date give a ''Chocolateier,'' for there are very 
few who do not like this most comforting of winter beverages. 
Be sure to have it piping hot, and serve with a big heaping 
spoonful of flavored whipped cream on top of each cup. There 
are several new kinks in making chocolate; one is to add a 
flavoring of cinnamon, and the other is to add a third of a 
pint of coffee to each pint of milk. The French have a way of 
making very rich chocolate by pouring a quart of it over the 
yokes of two eggs, beating hard to prevent curdling. If vanilla 
is not put in the whipped cream it must be added to the choc- 
olate. Whipping with an egg-beater just before pouring into 
the pot also improves the quality of chocolate. Serve graham 
wafers, brown and white bread sandwiches, candied orange 
peel, and ginger. Light the room with candles and have a 
flower or two in vases A la japonaise. 

Stein Suppers 

At a Stein Supper the guests are usually men ; such an affair 
is the delight of the college boy. In most cases the success 
of the evening depends upon the never-tiring mother, good 

175 



Novel Entertainments for 

sisters, or even interested girl friends, who disappear behind 
the scenes, after attending to the table decorations, arranging 
the table, etc. Beer may or may not be served; cider is a 
favorite beverage, also hot spiced lemonade and punch, which 
are served in covered steins. The new semi-porcelain dishes 
of Dutch and English manufacture are especially adapted to 
these afiFairs. Egg-shell china, lace tablecloths, and such dainty 
accessories are out of place at ^^stag" parties. Toasts are 
always a pleasing feature at any gathering, and especially so 
at these suppers. 

A College Smoker 

The place cards were yellow corn-cob pipes, tied with black, 
for this reunion was attended by eight young fellows who had 
been in a school whose colors were orange and black. The 
names were lettered on the bowls in India ink. 

The electric light and candle shades were of orange, with 
figures outlined in black. The candlesticks were of black 
wrought-iron. The walls were decorated with college flags 
and pennants, and on the window seats there was a pile of 
college pillows. For the occasion orange cheesecloth curtains 
had been put up, tied with broad bands of black, and there 
was a rosette of the two colors for each man's buttonhole. 

The menu served consisted of oysters on the half shell, 
vegetable soup, beefsteak with mushrooms, scalloped potatoes, 
macaroni, lobster salad in orange shells, cheese, crackers, 
Roquefort cheese, apple pie, and coffee. 

Five O'clock Teas 

The question is frequently asked what to serve at an after- 
noon tea, how many courses, etc. A five o'clock tea is the v^ery 
simplest of all entertainments; there are never any courses. 
The hour is too near dinner time to permit of an elaborate 
spread. Tea and an iced fruit drink or chocolate, one or two 
varieties of sandwiches, small cakes, wafers, candies, ginger, 

176 



Every Day in the Year 

salted nuts, and bonbons are all accessories of the five o'clock 
tea. Sometimes just a glass of sherbet or a jrappe with 
delicate sugar wafers is served. The main thing is to have 
something to offer to promote sociability, but not to cloy the 
appetite. 

The invitations are usually issued on the hostess's visiting 
card, with the words ^^At home from three to five." It is 
customary to ask one or two intimate friends to serve the 
guests. 

A New Dainty 

A NEW dainty for the afternoon tea-table is what is called 
Touraine chocolates. Take whole-wheat bread, butter the 
loaf, cut off the slices, then cut into strips an inch wide. Cover 
each piece with melted sweet chocolate; sprinkle thinly with 
any finely chopped nuts, either almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. 
Stand aside for an hour to harden. Another novelty for 
evening refreshments is fruit rounds. With a biscuit-cutter 
make rounds out of slices of whole-wheat bread. Then 
chop a quarter of a pound of candied pineapple and a, quarter 
of a pound of candied cherries together. Boil four table- 
spoonfuls of sugar and three of water for one minute; then 
when cool add the juice of half an orange, mix with the fruit, 
butter the bread and spread with the mixture. Ornament 
with citron or angelica and candied cherries. Serve on a cut- 
glass plate. 

A combination which makes a cup of delicious tea is a 
mixture of English Breakfast and Orange Pekoe. This has 
an unusually pleasing flavor. To each cup add a slice of 
pineapple which has been soaked in rum, and a small amount of 
maraschino. A small bit of lemon added brings out the flavor 
of the pineapple. 

A teaspoonful of rum in the ordinary cup of tea is in great 
favor, while Russian tea with lemon, is always in good form. 
Some hostesses pass the squeezed and strained lemon juice in 
a cut-glass pitcher, so that visitors do not have to handle the 
slices of lemon. 

177 



Novel Entertainments for 

Brandied cherries are a tasteful and pleasant addition to 
the cup of afternoon tea. Sand tarts, fancy wafers, fruit bars, 
nut glaceSj and stuffed dates are all acceptable accompaniments 
to the cup that cheers. A drink made from cocoa with a third 
the quantity of coffee added is a change from the ordinary 
cocoa. This should be served with whipped cream, and tiny 
sandwiches of whole-wheat bread or graham wafers. 

A pinch of salt, a few drops of vanilla, or a dash of cinna- 
mon, improves the flavor of plain cocoa or chocolate. Coffee 
is rarely served from a five-o' clock-tea table, being reserved 
for the dinner hour. It is very English, and quite a fad, to 
serve toasted muflSns with orange marmalade at informal teas. 

Birthday Parties 

IN WHAT MONTH WERE YOU BORN? 

January — Will be a prudent housewife, good-natured, but inclined 
to melancholy. 

February — Humane and affectionate as a wife, and tender as a 
mother. 

March — A chatterbox, fickle, stormy, and given to quarrels. 

April — Pretty, dainty, inconsistent, and not given to study. 

May — Handsome in person and contented and happy in spirit. 

June — Gay, impetuous, and will marry early. 

July — Fair to look upon, but sulky in temper and jealous. 

August — Amiable, practical, and will marry rich. 

September — Discreet, affable, and generally beloved. 

October — Pretty, coquettish, and oftentimes unhappy without 
cause. 

November — Liberal, kind, amiable, and thoughtful for others. 

December — Well-proportioned, gay, fond of novelty, and inclined 
to be extravagant. 

a poem for each birth month 

January. ''The Eve of St. Agnes." Keats. 

February. ''Afternoon in February." Longfellow. 

March. "A Morning in March." Wordsworth. 

April. "Welcome to April." Tennyson. 

May. ''An Evening in May." Walton. 

June. ^ "A Day in June." Lowell. 

July. ' "Rain in Summer." Longfellow. 

178 



Every Day in the Year 



August. '^Forest Hymn." Bryant. 

September. '^Hyrnn for September." Geo, Herbert. 

October. ''Pleasures of Autumn." Keats. 

November. ''Death of the Flowers." Bryant. 

December. ''The Holly Tree." Southey. 

The calendar given below will be of interest to those who 
love to observe the sentiments and legends of one's birth 
month. An old Polish superstition declares that each month 
has a special jewel or stone, which if worn will prove a lucky 
talisman. 





Divinity 


Stone 


Flower 


Zodiac Sign 


Jan. 


Gabriel. 


Garnet. 


Snowdrop. 


Aquarius. 


Feb. 


Barchiel. 


Pearl. 


Primrose. 


Pisces. 


March. 


Malchediel. 


Bloodstone. 


Violet. 


Aries. 


April. 


Ashmodel. 


Diamond. 


Daisy. 


Taurus. 


May. 


Amriel. 


Emerald. 


Hawthorn. 


Gemini. 


June. 


Muriel. 


' Agate or 
' Cat's-eye. 


Honeysuckle. 


Cancer. 


July. 


Verchiel. 


Ruby. 


Water-lily. 


Leo. 


Aug. 


Hamatiel. 


Sardonyx. 


Poppy- 


Virgo. 


Sept. 


Tsuriel. 


\ Sapphire. 
r Chrysolite. 


Morning-glory. 


Libra. 


Oct. 


Bariel. 


Opal. 


Hops. ^ 


Scorpio. 


Nov. 


Adnachiel. 


Topaz. 


Chrysanthemum 


. Sagittarius. 


Dec. 


Humiel. 


Turquoise. 


Holly. 


Capricornus. 



BIRTH-MONTH COUPLETS 

January 
Gabriel as thy true divinity 
Brings consolation and gives constancy. 

February 
Barchiel guards thy early youthful days, 
And checks th' imperious will which passion sways. 

March 
Malchediel divines thy modest power, 
But knows thy courage in a dangerous hour. 

April 
Though oft repentant, thou art innocent. 
Ashmodel knoweth of thy good intent. 

May 
In love successful. Amriel doth declare 
That Hope will give of blessing thy full share. 

179 



Novel Entertainments for 

June 
In bonds of love great Muriel decrees 
For thee long life of luxury and ease. 

July 

Verchiel invests thy speech with eloquence, 
And from disloyal friends is thy defence. 

August 
Console thyself. Hamatiel shall be 
True guardian of thy heart's felicity. 

September 
May Tsuriel preserve thy life from care 
And give of happiness a well-earned share. 

October 
Injustice and misfortune may distress, 
But Bariel will give thee happiness. 

November 
Adnachiel sends friends both wise and true; 
Guard well the favors that they bring to you. 

December 
With forethought wise Humiel brings success 
That crowns thy life with highest happiness. 

A Birthday Custom 

A PRETTY birthday custom is observed by a family rejoicing 
in the possession of six beautiful children. On the first natal 
day of each child a tree is planted, and each succeeding year 
the same custom prevails. When the tenth birthday is reached 
a real festival is held, and the tree-planting is made the feature 
of the occasion. There is a procession around the lawn, and 
the "birthday child" is permitted to choose the variety of 
tree to be planted, and, if possible, it is obtained. Oftentimes 
there is a "tree-guessing'' contest of some kind, or the re- 
freshments will all be from tree products. It is needless to 
say that these children are devoted to their own special trees, 
and watch their growth with scrupulous care. It is certainly 
a custom worthy of being observed, and not expensive, so it 
is within the reach of almost every one. 

i8o 



Every Day in the Year 



A Child's Birthday Party 

This describes the prettiest kind of a party for the little 
tots ranging in age from three to six. The mother had a 
kindergarten table seating ten, with red chairs, and the regular 
dining-room table and chairs were pushed aside for these. The 
room was decorated with quantities of gay Chinese lanterns, 
which delighted the children. 

Under each plate there were a white lace-paper doily, a 
paper napkin, a place card, and the name spelled out with 
alphabet crackers. Six tiny red candles with shades made 
from red Christmas tree candle-holders, were on the table, 
besides a huge angel-food cake, which held three red candles, 
and was surrounded by a hoop containing red candles put in 
as close as they would stand; the hoop was concealed by ferns. 

Cocoa was served in small ^^ Buster Brown" mugs with a 
sandwich of whole-wheat bread, then plain vanilla ice cream 
in ramakins. After this a Jack Horner pie was placed on the 
table, and each child took hold of a red ribbon which had a 
little metal animal on the end of it, and at a signal all pulled, 
and peppermint patties came out. Two were tied together 
with red ribbon, and there was one for each child. Then 
there were snapping-cracker caps containing ^^ surprises," and 
on leaving the dining-room each child received a bag of confetti 
to throw after getting outside the house. 

The hours for this party were from three to five, and the 
children came promptly and went home promptly, so they 
were not tired out. 

When the invitations were sent out the birthday was not 
mentioned. 

A Party for a Three-Year-Old 

All mothers are interested in parties for children, and the 
wee tots seem to be entering the social whirl at a very tender age, 
so this description of a three-year-old's birthday celebration 
may not come amiss. 

i8i 



Novel Entertainments for 

The invitations were issued on the attractive stationerv 
prepared for children, some of the designs being especially 
good. After the twelve guests had assembled, the first thing 
on the programme was simple games, such as * ^London Bridge,'' 
''The Farmer,'' and ''Here We Go round the Mulberry Bush," 
played to music, with a young lady to assist in the leading. 

Then a circle was formed, and a large jardiniere filled with 
all sorts of odd-shaped parcels was placed in the centre. One 
child at a time was blindfolded and allowed to take a package 
from the jar. The opening of these packages caused much 
joy. There were toys of all kinds and a ball for the youngest 
guest. The hours were from three to five, and promptly at 
four the dining-room doors were opened, revealing a low, 
round table (made from one of the tops to the mother's dining- 
table) and twelve red kindergarten chairs. There were large 
Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling, making a beauti- 
fully soft light. The birthday cake with three candles was the 
centrepiece. 

Plain bread-and-butter sandwiches, with small cups of 
cocoa, were served first, followed by vanilla ice cream in rama- 
kins. There were cunning little rosebud place cards and 
small red paper dishes holding hard little candies, which were 
made of pure sirup. Each child received a dainty cornucopia 
of paper filled with popcorn to take home. 

A Mother Goose Party 

Every child loves "Mother Goose," so ornament the 
invitations for this party with pen-and-ink sketches of the 
characters so dear to every childish heart, or buy a cheap 
copy of the book and cut out the pictures, pasting one on each 
invitation. Say that Mother Goose will be at home on such a 
day from three to five, or seven to ten (whichever hour is most 
suitable), and requests all the little goslings to be present. 
As far as possible the mothers should let the children choose 
their own characters, no matter if there are duplicates. 

182 




ATTRACT1\'£ WAYS 10 SERVE SHERBET 
A Rose Sherbkt Glass — A Crkpk Paper Sherbet Cup 



Every Day in the Year 

When all arrive form a grand march, each child repeating 
his rhyme when his or her name is called. 

When refreshments are served ^^ Little Jack Horner'' must 
be asked to preside over his famous pie, which is made as 
follows: Take the largest tin pan procurable or a small 
wooden tub ; fill with bran or fine sawdust and put in a sou- 
venir for each guest. These should be small articles tied with 
ribbon. Over the top stretch tissue paper, through which 
pull the ribbons ; then put a piece of crepe paper neatly around 
the outside of the pan. At a given signal each child is to 
take hold of a ribbon and all together sing ^^Little Jack Horner,'' 
and when the words ^^ pulled out a plum" come, the ribbons 
are pulled, and each child will be delighted over the forthcom- 
ing ^^plum." Tarts supposed to be made by the Queen of 
Hearts are a feature of the refreshments. A prize may be given 
for the best costume, the children taking the vote; but this is 
optional with the hostess. 

A Baby's Birthday Party 

If possible, rent or borrow enough high chairs to seat the 
small guests around the table. Have a birthday cake iced in 
white, with a pink candle and ^^one to grow on." Of necessity, 
the beverage for these little ones must be of milk, but there 
can be a variety of crackers. For souvenirs and amusement 
nothing will be more pleasing than toy balloons or bouncing 
balls fastened to the chandelier over the table by baby ribbons. 
The balls may be made of worsted, and will delight the babies. 
Have a generous supply of rattles, jumping jacks, and rubber 
dolls for playthings, and with plenty of assistance the party 
should be a great success. Rosebuds, either pink or white, 
are the most appropriate flowers to use. For the mothers and 
grown-ups, serve cocoa, whipped cream, chicken sandwiches, 
charlotte russe, nuts, and bonbons. The babies will provide 
all the entertainment necessary, both for themselves and for 
their mothers. 

183 



Novel Entertainments for 



A Mother's Fortieth Birthday 

If the weather permits, have a porch party. There is 
always a noveky about outdoor affairs, and much of the year 
one is forced to remain indoors. It will probably be possible to 
get a number of your mother's old-time friends to write letters 
to be read on this occasion; these will be a pleasant surprise 
to her, and provide an entertaining feature as well. Of 
course the birthday cake will be the centre of attraction, with 
its ring (symbol of eternity), containing forty candles. Make 
the ring out of a barrel hoop covered with tissue paper. Ask 
each guest to be prepared to make a wish or give an appropriate 
sentiment when she blows out a candle. For souvenirs have 
small fans on which each guest will inscribe her name. A vase 
containing forty roses will make a beautiful table centrepiece, 
and be sure to have the refreshments appeal to the honored 
guest by serving what she likes best, her special cake, for 
instance, and endeavor to make the day a glad one ^'from 
morn to noon, .... from noon to dewy eve." 

Ways to Choose Partners 

To CHOOSE partners for a cotillion or card party, prepare a 
number of small cakes ; ice with pink for the unmarried women, 
white for the women who have left the realms of single blessed- 
ness, yellow for the unmarried men, and green for those who 
are married. In these cakes place tiny favors — thimbles, 
buttons, keys, duplicate mottoes, rings, hooks, eyes, etc. 
The man who gets a hook finds the girl with the eye, a man 
getting a key, finds the girl with the ring to put it on, etc. 
The cakes may be passed on trays. 

Another pretty way to select partners is to provide paper 
Japanese masks and caps. Divide the company by taking 
out the men into another room, then give them their disguises, 
at the same time the ladies are receiving theirs. Then bring 
together, and allow five minutes to tell who is who ; of. course 

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Every Day in the Year 

sheets are provided to throw over gowns and coats. This is 
practicable only in small companies, but it is much fun. 

Prepare balls of cotton with slips inside bearing words in- 
timately associated, such as ^^Darby" and '^Joan," ^^Antony" 
and ^Xleopatra," ^^Paul'' and ^^ Virginia,'' ^^Desdemona" 
and ^^The Moor," '^ Bread" and ^^ Butter," *^Ice Cream" and 
^Xake," etc. Tie these balls with ribbon or wrap them in 
crepe paper to look like oranges. Then divide the company 
in two lines, and at a given signal throw the balls. In the 
scramble each will retain one, tear it open, and ^' Darby" will 
hunt for ^^oan," ^' Bread" for ^^ Butter," etc. 

Ask all the girls into one room, the men into another. Close 
the folding doors between and then select the wittiest man in 
the party to act as auctioneer. He is to go to the room occu- 
pied by the feminine portion of the guests and describe, not 
too accurately, one of the men ; the girls are to bid, the highest 
bidder to be given a number, and a duplicate number being 
pinned upon the man who has just been auctioned. He is then 
permitted to go in and find his partner, who bears the corre- 
sponding number. This proceeds until all have been paired off. 
It is most amusing and livens the beginning of an evening. 

A novel way to find partners is to write on the cards passed 
to the men the names of States, and the names of capital cities 
on those for the ladies. Then tell the ** States" to find their 
''capitals." It is surprising to see the mixed-up condition of 
things for a few minutes, especially if the Western and newer 
States are selected. 

Cutting hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs is a ''puzzle" 
way of distributing partners at a card party. 

For choosing partners, try matching animal crackers, which 
are hidden throughout the rooms. Matching flowers is 
another pretty way when the company is not too large to have 
enough varieties of flowers. Have two blossoms alike, — carna- 
tions, roses, violets, pansies, lilies, etc. 

Another way is to put the initials or the first name of the 
girls in envelopes and pass them to the men; the cracker 

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Novel Entertainments for 

alphabet letters to be obtained from the large grocery stores 
may be used. Of course this method is of use only in a 
company well known to each other. A jolly way to pair off 
is to play the old-fashioned game of ^^Silent Blindman's Buff." 
Make a circle, blindfold one at a time, place in the centre with 
a cane, then the one the blindman touches is the partner. 
Of course it is arranged so that a boy points to a girl and 
vice versa. 

The nicknames of States provide a good way to select 
partners. Write the names of the States for the girls, and 
the nicknames for the men, and then let them find each other. 
A lively time is likely to ensue. To save the hostess from rack- 
ing her brains some examples follow: 

North Carolina — Old North. 
New York — Empire State. 
South Carolina — Palmetto State. 
Rhode Island — Little Rhody. 
Ohio — Buckeye. 
Connecticut — Nutmeg State. 
Delaware — Blue Hen. 
New Hampshire — Granite State. 
Pennsylvania — Keystone State. 
Louisiana — Creole State. 
Illinois — Sucker State. 
Indiana — Hoosier State. 
Massachusetts — Bay State. 
Texas — Lone Star State. 
Maine — Pine Tree State. 
Virginia — Old Dominion. 

Matching rosettes of ribbon is done in the same way. 
Make of baby ribbon rosettes as large as a quarter, fasten- 
ing a pin in each. 

Obtain baby pictures of the boys and girls and let them find 
the originals. This will take up considerable time, and may 
be a feature of the evening's entertainment only when the 
company is a small one. 

For a musical entertainment, write a few bars of a well- 
known musical composition, then cut the paper in two. When 
the melody is completed partners will be found. Quotations 

i86 



Every Day in the Year 

that are well known may be arranged in the same way, and the 
parts hidden about the rooms. 

Put a mask on the girls one at a time, and in a room alone. 
Let the men guess whom the eyes belong to, and the success- 
ful guesser wins his partner. 

To Find Places by Fads 

A HOSTESS who wished for something out of the usual for 
her place cards at a luncheon to which she had asked six guests, 
went to work to find pictures that would illustrate each one's 
particular fad or individualism. 

One girl had the habit of sitting Turkish fashion on the 
floor. After repeated search in magazines and advertisements, 
a picture was found to illustrate the subject. It was cut out 
and neatly pasted on red cardboard. The golf girl was easy, 
also the girl who loved boating. The equestrienne of the party, 
and the girl whose latest fad was cooking, were easily illus- 
trated, also the girl with the camera. 

No names were put on the cards, each guest found herself. 

At an evening company where there were a number of 
guests, the hostess took this method of pairing them off. She 
wished to mingle the party as much as possible and break up 
cliques. 

Each man received a paper and pencil, was introduced 
to a lady, and told he could talk with her for five minutes; 
at the end of that time he was to retire to a corner and write a 
description of the lady's gown, hair, and general appearance. 
After ten minutes these papers were collected; then when re- 
freshments were served, the papers were scattered promiscu- 
ously among the men, and each was to find the lady of whom 
he had the description, and escort her to the dining-room. 

A Reunion Luncheon 

A PARTY of ladies, who had been abroad together, decided 
to hold reunions at certain intervals and so continue the friend- 

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Novel Entertainments for 

ship made on board ship, on the Continent, or in London, as 
the case might be. The first alBFair was called a Scotch-English 
luncheon, and the hostess had sent direct from Inverness a 
quantity of heather, which came in perfect condition. It was 
used at each place, tied with lavender ribbon. Instead of the 
name each place card bore some joke or pertinent reminder 
of the journey. 

Individual mutton pies, Scotch oat cakes, orange marma- 
lade, curds and whey, and delicious toasted English muffins 
were served. For amusement the hostess had pinned on the 
wall pictures of public buildings, and placed on the table and 
mantel prints of famous paintings, and portraits of noted 
personages seen in Europe. 

A prize was given to the one guessing the most. Many of 
the pictures were souvenir postals, of which perhaps the very 
finest are made in Germany. 

Clipped Favors 

These are tiny presents for each child, daintily wrapped and 
suspended by various colored ribbons from the chandelier or 
doorway. Each child is blindfolded, told to walk to the end 
of the room, turn and walk to where the parcels are hanging. 
Then a pair of scissors are handed to the ^'blindman'* with 
which to clip the ribbon and secure a favor. 

This scheme may be carried out with older people and part- 
ners found by having two ribbons of a color or two favors 
alike. 

A Progressive Breakfast 

This breakfast was served by a club of six who wound up 
the affairs of the season with an annual spread. Each hostess 
kept her table decorations and eatables a secret, and the re- 
sult was a pleasant surprise at each house. Twelve blocks 
away from the house where the dessert was served the guests 
assembled and had the first course, consisting of the fruit. The 
table was ornamented with a strawberry centrepiece, and at 

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Every Day in the Year 

each place there was a box in exact imitation of those in 
which strawberries are sold ; it held six enormous berries with 
a mound of powdered sugar on a berry leaf. The place cards 
bore an original line of greeting, decorated with a watercolor 
spray of strawberries. 

Hats were donned, and eight blocks on the street car 
brought the soup course. Here the centrepiece was white 
carnations. Bouillon was served with a spoonful of whipped 
cream on top of each cup. Breadsticks, olives, and wafers 
were passed. The place cards bore tiny black-and-white 
sketches of a little old man mixing together things in a bowl. 

Three blocks, and the fish was served in ramakins, with 
delicious shoe-string potatoes. Before going into the dining- 
room the hostess passed slips of paper with the names ''Riley,'' 
''Hood," "Tennyson," etc., and explained that places would 
be found by recognizing a quotation from the author whose 
name was on the card. This caused a flow of wit and laughter 
till the lines were recognized. The centrepiece was a mass 
of lovely bridal wreath, which was then in season. 

The next hostess was telephoned that the company were 
ready to start; and the heavy course was in readiness by the 
time the guests arrived. The table was all in green and white. 
White sweet peas on a round mirror made a pretty centre, 
and the place cards were tied to the handles of little green 
baskets. Creamed sweetbreads in pastry cases were served 
with Julienne potatoes ; almonds and hot rolls with green peas 
completed this course. 

Another two blocks brought the salad course. Such a 
gorgeous table! Yellow tulips, standing erect in a Royal 
Worcester bowl filled with sand, were in the centre of the 
table; the bowl was resting on a lace doily over yellow. 
There were tumbler doilies of yellow, and the wafers were on 
yellow china plates. The salad was a tomato and nut aspic 
with a great dab of golden mayonnaise dressing. The place 
cards were cut out of green and yellow paper to imitate tulips. 

After a shower of congratulations, the merry party pro- 

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Novel Entertainments for 

ceeded three squares to the sixth and last course. The table 
was done entirely in lilacs, the doilies and centrepiece being 
carried out in that delicate color. No artificial light was used, 
as this shade does not lend itself kindly to candles. 

Jolly little rhymes told the guests where they were to be 
seated at the table, and there was a snap-shot of the club baby 
in one corner — the only daughter of this last hostess. The 
dessert was a fruit gelatine, with whipped cream, bonbons, and 
sunshine cake. Japanese water flowers were passed^ with a 
tiny glass of water with which to try fortunes ; two of the girls 
declared that miniature men unfolded themselves in their 
glasses, so the club began to look for denouements. 

A Literary Luncheon 

Here is a menu which was served to a club of literary 
people, upon which the hostess did not expend five dollars. 
Much merriment was afforded by guessing what each course 
was before it appeared on the table : 

*^ Lays of Ancient Rome." Macaulay. 

(Stuffed Eggs.) 
''The Red Skins." Cooper. 

(Lobster a la Newberg.) 
" Lamb's Works." Charles Lamb. 

(Chops and potato croquettes.) 
*' Cometh Up as a Flower." Rhoda Broughton. 

(Mushrooms.) 
*' Salad for the Sohtary and the Social." F. Saunders. 

(Lettuce.) 
''The Queen of Curds and Cream." Mrs. Gerard. 

(Cheese.) 
"Man, and the Glacial Period." Dr. Wright. 

(Orange ice served in the skins.) 
"Coffee and Repartee." Bangs. 

(Coffee.) 

After-Dinner Tricks 

Take a dinner plate and fill with water to the depth of 
an eighth of an inch, perhaps a little more. Then put a small 

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Every Day in the Year 

candle in the centre, light it, and over it place a tall glass tum- 
bler. Just as the inverted tumbler touches the plate the water 
will rise within the glass. The taller the covering the more 
effective the trick. 

When fruit has been served with the dessert, and in con- 
sequence there are finger bowls on the table, it is curious as 
well as amusing, to wet the middle finger and pass it slowly 
around the rim of the bowl, keeping a firm pressure. In a 
moment a low, long-drawn-out musical tone will be heard; 
each glass will give out a different tone and the result when 
several glasses are emitting sounds at the same time is a strange 
mixture of harmony. 

An after-dinner trick much enjoyed by children is to put 
walnut shells filled with brandy or alcohol into their finger 
bowls and then light them. These burning ships at sea are a 
wonderful sight, and grown people as well as the children are 
not averse to watching this exciting end to a dinner party. 

Your Fortune in a Teacup 

To ADD zest to an afternoon tea leave some tea leaves in 
each cup. To do this the use of the strainer must be omitted. 
Memorize this rhyme, which is the translation of an old 
Chinese tea song, and it will prove of interest to the guests: 

"One leaf alone, alone you '11 be; 
Two together, the priest you '11 see; 
Three in groups, your wish you '11 gain; 
Four, a letter from a loving swain; 
Five, good news the letter will bring; 
Six in a row, a song you '11 sing; 
Seven together, great fortune waits 
For you, so say the Teacup Fates. 
Tea leaves short and tea leaves tall 
Bring you company great and small; 
Tea leaves many and dotted fine 
Are of bad luck the surest sign; 
Tea leaves few and clean the rim. 
Your cup with joy o'erflows the brim." 

Fortune teacups with the signs of the zodiac may be pur- 
chased, and one always causes amusement at a party. 

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Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER XV.-ENTERTAINMENTS FOR 
CHURCH AND CLUB 

Japanese Affairs 

An International Tea 

THIS IS a delightful affair to be given by a club or a 
church society. Decorate the rooms with the flags of 
all nations ; these may be purchased in the department 
stores in all sizes. Young ladies dressed in costumes to repre- 
sent ^'America," ^^Italy," ^^ Scotland,'' ^^ France," ^^ England,'' 
"Germany," ''Japan," ''Manila," etc., form the reception 
committee and serve the refreshments. 

National songs, such as "America," "La Marseillaise," 
"God Save the King," "The Watch on the Rhine," "Blue 
Bells of Scotland," "Beautiful Venice, the Bride of the Sea," 
are sung or played during the evening. When refreshments 
are served, the guests are asked to choose at which table they 
will sit. "America" will serve an abundance of baked beans, 
doughnuts, and pie. ' ' Scotland " will have porridge, oat cakes, 
scones with cheese, and haggis. "Italy" presides over vermi- 
celli soup, macaroni, grapes, and figs. Sausage, pretzels, and 
rye bread will be found at " Germany's " table. The " French " 
table will have dainty rolls, salads, and omelet. "England" 
will be represented by roast beef and plum pudding. " Japan" 
will be gay with chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, tea with 
delicate sweetmeats, rice, and wafers. "Manila" will serve 
bananas, lemonade, and oranges. - 

For Sweet Charity 

A LITERARY club of thirty members wished to make some 
money for a special charity, so they devised and carried out 
this very clever scheme. Thirty baskets were purchased at 

192 



Every Day in the Year 

wholesale, and each lady took one and filled it with the most 
delicious supper that she could prepare. Her card was placed 
inside, the top covered with tissue paper, then tied down with 
ribbon. Invitations were sent to thirty men, asking them 
to come to an ''auction supper," on such an evening, giving 
the address and hour. 

On arriving each man was required to bid for a basket ; 
after opening it, he was to find the lady whose card was con- 
cealed in the basket. Tea, coffee, chocolate, and napkins (paper 
ones) were provided, also small tables and folding chairs. 
There were ices and creams which could be purchased at so 
much a plate. 

The men entered into the spirit of the affair, and declared 
it was the joUiest charity party they ever attended. There 
is a way of doing things that appeals to a man. He loves 
things that he has a part in, and he likes a little mystery, and 
not a man knew a word of what this ''auction supper" was 
to be, which speaks well for the girls who managed the affair. 

Between fifty and sixty dollars rolled into the auctioneer's 
hands, and the men all said it was cheap for half the money. 

A Daisy Fortune Booth 

At a bazaar this daisy booth made a goodly sum for the 
treasury. The decorations were entirely of green crepe paper 
and paper daisies. Over the booth a large sign was placed, 
"Let the Daisies Tell Your Fortunes." There was a " Vas- 
sar" daisy chain across the counter, made from a procession of 
dolls dressed in white carrying garlands of daisies. There 
were large daisies containing one hundred and fifty petals, 
for, as the bazaar lasted two days and evenings, many fort- 
unes were prepared. A fortune was written on each petal 
with invisible ink. The petal was sold in this case for ten 
cents, as it was in a wealthy community where ten cents was 
no object when fortunes were concerned; but I think five 
cents would be a fairer sum to charge. Then the petal was 

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Novel Entertainments for 

ironed with an electric iron (a common everyday flatiron will 
answer the purpose) and the fate of the purchaser was there- 
with revealed. The attendants were gowned in white, with 
daisy wreaths in their hair. The background of the booth was 
made from dark green cheese cloth studded with white daisies. 

A German Booth 

Have bare wooden tables and chairs ; decorate with the 
German colors and palms to make it look as much like a gar- 
den as possible. Have the waiters in peasant costume, hair 
braided, white caps or the large Alsatian bows; short skirts, 
velvet bodices, and white waists. Any or all varieties of soft 
drinks may be served, such as root beer, ginger ale, lemonade, 
seltzer, and phosphates. 

Small steins, corncob pipes, and tiny German flags would 
be suitable for favors. If no other place is provided for serv- 
ing tea, coffee, and chocolate, they may be added to the list 
of drinkables. 

A Measuring Party- 
Two young women, who belonged to a circle of ''King's 
Daughters," issued invitations for a unique affair to be given 
at the home of one of the girls. The jingle given below ex- 
plains the nature of the entertainment. There was a short 
programme and daintily served refreshments. 

"A Measuring Party is given for you; 
'T is something novel, something new. 
We young ladies ask all to come, 
And each one bring to aid us some 
Two cents for every foot you 're tall, 
We '11 measure you on door or wall; 
An extra cent for each inch give, 
And thereby show how high you live. 
With music and song, refreshment and pleasure. 
We '11 meet one and all at our Party of Measure." 

194 



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Every Day in the Year 



Grab Garden 

Here is a good scheme for the church fair that has had 
grab bags and fish ponds. Make a flower bed and plant in 
rows a quantity of paper blossoms ; attach to the root of each 
flower a small article done up in tissue paper. Upon the 
payment of five cents, or whatever sum is agreed on, the buyer 
is allowed to pull one blossom. The garden is in charge of 
''Mary, Mary, quite contrary,'' and this feature of the bazaar 
ought to be a very profitable adjunct. 

A States Dinner 

The idea of a States dinner is a good one, adding both 
interest and novelty to the ordinary church dinner. Send 
out invitations, with the request that in the acceptance the 
guests designate the State in which they were born. Then the 
people from one State are to sit at the same table, or there may 
have to be two or three tables for one State if the space forbids 
seating more than a limited number. 

There must be a host and hostess for each table, and the 
decorations must be characteristic of the State. For instance, 
at a recent dinner of this kind New York's table had a pyramid 
of fruit, mostly apples, pears, and grapes. New Hampshire 
and Vermont sat together; a row of miniature trees was the 
decoration, with a hill of cotton sparkling with diamond dust 
snow, down which sleds were gayly sliding, also tiny figures on 
toboggans. New Jersey's table had a mound of clam shells 
and yards of strung cranberries outlining pretty figures on the 
tablecloth. Pennsylvania had a pile of coal and an oil well at 
either end. The guests from Georgia had real cotton blos- 
soms and rice sheaves, and sweet potatoes scrubbed to white- 
ness to hold the candles, while a log cabin with an old 
"aunty" and "uncle" made the centrepiece. These examples 
will show how the affair was carried out. Toasts were given, 
and the young girls of the church acted as waitresses. 

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Novel Entertainments for 

If there are enough guests to warrant it, there could be 
tables provided and characteristically decorated for those of 
foreign birth. Such guests might be asked to contribute for 
the purpose quaint mementos brought from the Fatherland. 

An Idea for a Missionary Society 

A MISSIONARY Society sent out these unique invitations 
accompanied by a tiny silken bag, the result being a goodly 
sum for the treasury: 

" 'Hail to thee, lady! and the grace of Heaven, 
Before, behind thee, and on every hand, 
Enwheel thee round!' 

This gracious greeting Shakespeare wrote so long ago, 
And we repeat it to thee, bidding thee to our feast. 
A silken bag we send, and ask of thee 
To place within its lustrous folds 
A coin for every rich-crowned year 
That o'er thy head has passed, and, 
Lady, straightway reach the century mark, 
That every silken fold be rounded out to fulness. *' 

On the date mentioned each lady on arriving deposited her 
bag in a receptacle provided and in charge of an attendant. 

After the serving of a cup of tea or chocolate the bags were 
emptied and the contents counted. A short musical pro- 
gramme followed. 

A Camp-Fire 

This military social may answer in churches that have a 
boys' or young men's military organization, or if practicable, 
a local Grand Army post might be pressed into service. At 
any rate the idea is a good one, and may be adapted to several 
purposes. 

Arrange the room with three small tents on one side, and 
three opposite. At one end have an officer's tent. Near the 
centre of the room have a camp-fire, with uniformed sentries 
keeping guard. There must be a fife and drum corps, and the 

196 



Every Day in the Year 

military company will arrive in uniform and make a grand 
entree. Sing the old war songs and have a bevy of pretty 
girls, dressed as Red Cross nurses, to serve the refreshments, 
which should be regular army rations — coffee in tin cups, 
corn bread, hardtack, doughnuts, baked beans, and pie. 

An amusing feature is a push cart with buns, and a man 
carrying yards and yards of wienerwurst and a pair of large 
shears to cut off the sausage. 

Another push cart bears a box with a hole in it, the hand to 
be thrust in and a hard-boiled egg drawn out. On each egg 
there is a number; the guests are to be told to preserve these 
figures, and late in the evening the announcement will be 
made that Nos. o and 13 have drawn prizes. These will con- 
sist of trifles to add to the fun, such as a sword, toy gun, or 
military hatpin. There will be a burlesque court-martial and 
war-time stories, while ^^ taps'' from a bugle will close the 
evening after the singing of ^^ Tenting To-Night on the Old 
Camp Ground." 

A Girls^ Club 

A CLUB of young girls have a rather clever custom. They 
meet once in two weeks, and each time they have worn a 
costume and provided refreshments that served to indicate 
the topic of the evening. There is a twenty-minute paper, 
then the remainder of the time is devoted to sociability and a 
good time generally. The dues are ten cents a member, and 
this sum is kept on hand for little charitable acts. A bouquet 
is sent to a hospital for some charity patient, or groceries are 
delivered to a needy family. They have had a Japanese night, 
a mock wedding, a ghost party, and an ^'old maid" evening, 
to which all came attired as spinsters. The paper for this 
event gave excellent reasons why one should be a bachelor 
maid, and how to be happy though single. 

Occasionally the men are asked, as when the Dutch lunch 
was given. The honor is considered very great, as the girls 
conduct their meetings with much secrecy. All live in the 

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Novel Entertainments for 

neighborhood, so no escorts are needed in going back and 
forth; but sometimes the boys are permitted to call at ten 
o'clock, the hour the club sounds ''taps." Meetings open at 
seven and close at ten, so all are at home by eleven. 

A Church or Club Entertainment 

This evening of living pictures was called ''The Bells," and 
was worked up in a most effective manner. A large frame 
was prepared for the picture, and the lights were thrown on 
from the side in colors most befitting the subject. There was 
a slightly raised platform. The preparations are so simple, the 
entertainment could be an invitation affair and given at a pri- 
vate house, taking up a silver offering; but more money 
would be made by charging a regular admission. First there 
was a ten-minute paper on "Bells." Much of interest is 
obtainable on this subject at the library: How they are made, 
chimes, great and historic bells, etc. The first picture shown 
was "Those Evening Belles." There were two or three girls 
in up-to-date evening gowns, while that old-time piece, "Those 
Evening Bells" was played on the piano. Picture number 
two, "Those Morning Belles," showed the same girls in negli- 
gee costumes, while the music was "Oh, What a Difference in 
the Morning!" 

"The Modern Belle" showed a girl in outing costume with 
a golf bag. "An Old-time Belle" was a dear grandmother in 
kerchief and cap, knitting a stocking. "Long, Long Ago," 
was the melody played. "A Scotch Belle" was a girl in High- 
land costume, and the music was "Blue Bells of Scotland." 
"The Convent Belle" was a sweet-faced nun, and "The Mon- 
astery Bells" was played softly. The last picture was called 
"The Belle of the Future," and revealed a baby. Many more 
pictures may be added, but the secret of a successful pro- 
gramme is in having it short, with the audience wishing for 
more. It is usually best not to respond to encores. 

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Every Day in the Year 



An Evening in Holland 

A CLUB composed of a dozen ladies who are studying the 
Netherlands, invited their friends to a pretty little entertain- 
ment. They had twelve living pictures from Dutch masters, 
reproduced in costume and posture as like the originals as it 
was possible to have them. Each member of the club was 
responsible for just one picture and she did her best to show 
it as perfectly as she could. The platform was on the stair 
landing, where all could see from the drawing room and hall, 
and the effect was lovely. A Holland brand of cocoa was 
served by a number of young girls dressed in the quaint Dutch 
peasant costume of orange and blue. The guests were so 
pleased that the club was asked to repeat the entertainment in 
a hall, with an admission fee, which was devoted to defraying 
the cost of drawing lessons for a poor but very talented boy. 

The Seven Ages of Woman 

A SERIES of impromptu tableaux was enacted in a hotel 
parlor, which was worthy of a far larger audience than was 
present; but the sum realized for charity was a good one, 
owing to the generosity of the appreciative spectators. The 
pictures shown represented the seven ages of Woman: First, 
'^Infancy" was a real live baby, hastily borrowed for the occa- 
sion, with a real live angel bending over it. The second scene, 
^Xhildhood," was modelled after Jessie Wilcox Smith's charm- 
ing picture, called ^^The First Love." ^^The Schoolgirl" came^ 
next with books and slate. ^^ Maidenhood" showed a young 
girl daintily gowned, with a letter in her lap and a box contain- 
ing a diamond ring. ^^Wifehood" and ^^Motherhood" were 
followed by ^^ Old Age." 

With the exercise of some ingenuity and imagination it 
will be easy to work the pictures out with very little preparation. 
It is a simple matter to have colored lights, and they will 



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Novel Entertainments for 

greatly enhance the beauty of the pictures. If music is played 
very softly during the scenes, it adds to the pleasure in a marked 
manner, and suitable selections may be found, such as *^Auld 
Lang Syne'' or ''Long, Long Ago,'' for ''Old Age"; the 
Wedding March, for "Wifehood"; and "Hush-a-by Baby" 
for "Infancy." Frappe might be served, after the pictures 
were presented. 

A Candy Booth 

Have only homemade candies for sale ; these, with the ad- 
dition of salted peanuts, pe:ans, almonds, and popcorn will be 
found profitable. Decorate with white and pink cheese cloth 
with a fringe of pink tissue paper rosettes across the front. 
Let the attendants wear white with pink belts and collars, and 
caps with huge pink bows. Arrange the candies attractively in 
boxes, baskets, and fancy china bowls. Have a pair of scales 
and play fair, giving accurate change and taking orders for 
Christmas candies. The candy box favors find a ready sale. 
Dainty cards to accompany gift boxes should be provided; 
dinner and card party score cards could be made a lucrative 
side line. 

A Japanese Dinner 

In a large city one can purchase at an importing house 
nearly all the requisites for such a dinner, such as the salted 
plums, pickled fish, chop suey, soy to mix with rice and salads, 
and dainty rice cakes, or, at least, the rice flour, and all sorts 
of delicious preserved fruits, which are served with forks for 
that purpose; or if these be lacking, toothpicks may be used. 
With such materials as the average housekeeper has at hand 
she could serve boneless meat of some kind (the Japanese never 
serve meat with a bone in it at the table), and olives. Rice 
is cooked with tea, but this would not be relished by the average 
guest. Salads are always made of salted or pickled fish; 
herring could be used. Sweet cakes are served, with tea in 
cups without handles. The room should be decorated with 

200 



Every Day in the Year 

Japanese lanterns, umbrellas, and fans, with lanterns used 
as candle and globe shades. Tiny fans come expressly for 
hair ornaments, six being none too many for the decoration 
of one's coiffure. Napkins come folded most intricately into 
shapes of frogs and other animals, and it is quite a trick to see 
if they can be refolded in the original shape. The repast in 
Japan would end with salted plums, so pass the olives again, 

A Japanese Lawn Party 

For decorations there must be an abundance of lanterns, 
and umbrellas may be suspended over booths where tea both 
hot and cold is dispensed. In Japan this would be the only 
beverage, but to quench the thirst of our American citizens 
there must be all sorts of iced drinks, a table for frappe, and 
small tables for ice cream and ices. Doilies, mats, and a great 
variety of Japanese napkins can be purchased, also lanterns in 
all sorts of odd shapes arid sizes. The invitations could be 
written upon tiny Japanese fans which are very inexpensive 
when purchased in large quantities. Another way would be 
to write them on Japanese napkins and then fold the nap- 
kins in odd forms. Those in charge of the affair should 
wear kimonos and do the hair a la japonaise, with innumerable 
ornaments. The flags of Japan should figure in the decora- 
tions, and the small ones should be offered for sale, or given 
as souvenirs if expense is no object. Over the gateway and 
porches bamboo fishing poles could be crossed, and from 
them lanterns suspended. Burn red fire at intervals from 
dark corners of the lawn, and a fringe of firecrackers on the 
verandas would be ornamental. 

The Japanese are great lovers of flowers, especially the 
cherry and chrysanthemum blossoms; those of paper are 
effective, and they cannot be too much in evidence. 

As a novelty, boiled rice could be served in small blue 
bowls. Candied ginger, cocoanut, and pineapple are favorites 
with the Japanese. 

20I 



Novel Entertainments for 

An orchestra of stringed instruments would add much to 
the affair. The Japanese play a game with bean bags which 
could be suited to the occasion. Yellow should be the pre- 
dominating color, and bowls of goldfish would help to carry 
out Japanese characteristics. 

Japanese Entertainment 

Ask all the guests to wear kimonos, with the hair done as 
Japanesque as possible, which means a liberal supply of 
tiny fans, and even diminutive lanterns to be used as orna- 
ments — five or six is not too many for one coiffure. Lan- 
terns in all shapes, fans, screens, and parasols will transform 
rooms into bowers of beauty, and crepe tissue paper cut in 
strips makes charming portieres and window drapery. Chinese 
lilies growing in green or yellow Japanese bowls are effective, 
and artificial cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and water 
lilies should be used in profusion. Incense is not expensive, 
and the pungent odor is delightful, giving a distinctly Oriental 
flavor to the affair. Tea should be served in cups without 
handles. While the Japanese do not use sugar many Amer- 
icans do, so waive that point and serve it, also lemon. 

The Japanese always begin and end a feast with salted 
plums; olives must be substituted unless there is a Chinese 
restaurant near where all sorts of Oriental things may be 
purchased, or a large importing house. Fish is served in 
some form at all Japanese functions, sometimes cooked, and 
sometimes even alive. Rice, delicious sweetmeats, and 
cakes of rice flour make up a really appetizing meal. The 
meat is usually cut in small bits. For vegetables they are fond 
of a special lily bulb, but onions will be a fair substitute. 

Tea is served immediately upon the arrival of a guest and 
many times during a repast, but only the tiniest of cups are 
used. Mats come in all sizes to be used as doilies, and they 
are very decorative. There are several Japanese songs that 
are pleasing and not difficult, which would add to an affair of 

202 




A JAPANESE COSTUME 



Every Day in the Year 

this kind. Then there are quaint porcelain spoons made in 
China, also chop sticks, which are inexpensive, and could be 
given as souvenirs; at a church entertainment they might 
be sold. 

Patterns for kimonos are easily obtainable; they should 
be worn with a wide sash or obi tied high under the arms, 
a huge bow in the back, with short ends. A glance through 
illustrated books on Japan will give correct ideas as to ar- 
ranging the hair, and show the proper way to adjust the kimono. 

Here are two genuine Japanese recipes: Sushi is made 
by boiling a half-cup of rice with two tablespoons of chopped 
preserved ginger. When cold mould into cakes about two 
inches long and one inch wide, flattened on top. Cut up a 
half-pound of any kind of fish into narrow strips, boil, then 
add a small bottle of sho-yu, which is a sauce to be obtained at 
a Japanese store. Cool the fish and serve a strip on the top 
of each rice cake. 

Kuri-kinto is a mixture of chestnuts and sweet potatoes, 
made by cooking a quart of chestnuts, Spanish ones if possible, 
until soft. Pick out a cup of unbroken meats* and put the 
remainder through a masher. Combine with a quart of the 
mashed potatoes and add the whole chestnuts. 

A Penny Social 

The Junior Society of a church devised this method of 
raising some money for a picture they wished to purchase. 
They advertised the affair by hand bills and posters and did 
considerable talking themselves, so every one was consumed 
with curiosity to see what those young things could do. On 
the night in question ^^they" found it took a penny to get in, 
as well as a penny to get out. There was popcorn for a penny 
a glass ; it was popped on the spot by a street vender, who was 
glad to come for a small share in the profits; and then there 
was a very popular candy table, and there were refreshments 
which were retailed by the pennyworth. 

203 



Novel Entertainments for 

Fortunes were told for a cent, and the present, past, 
and future were continued to an indefinite length by the 
forthcoming cent. These ingenious Juniors had concocted 
many a scheme to inveigle the little red Indian out of the 
pockets of the long-suffering public. You could find out 
your weight, your height, and buy a stick of gum for a cent 
each. There was a flower booth, a penny a blossom; a boot- 
blacking stand, with a seat reserved for ladies, which was under 
a huge umbrella. The street fakirs peddled fruit, and there 
was a scissors-grinder, also a hand-organ man. It was con- 
ducted on the order of a street fair, and the treasurer found the 
result of the evening's profit to be more than enough for the 
picture. This fair was managed entirely by the young people, 
of whom the oldest was fifteen. 



A Bandanna Sale 

A Bandanna Sale was announced by a coterie of young 
women who were interested in supplying the winter coal to a 
fatherless family much in need of assistance. It was held at 
the house of one of the girls and was an invitation affair. The 
articles had all been made from gay handkerchiefs and con- 
sisted of aprons, sofa-pillow covers, sleeve protectors, sweep- 
ing caps, turnover collars and cuffs, protectors to use when 
combing the hair, dresser and chiffonier covers, pincushions, 
and bags both great and small. These parti-colored handker- 
chiefs may be purchased by the dozen for a mere trifle, and the 
work had been done during the summer, so that the effort was 
not great. 

The refreshments were most unique. In the dining-room 
a real colored ^^Aunt Jemima" baked waffles which were 
served with maple sirup, and there were hot corn muffins, 
tea, coffee, and chocolate, served by little darkey maidens, their 
heads enveloped in bright red bandannas. 

204 



Every Day in the Year 



A Seven-Cent Luncheon or Supper 

This is a novelty to attract attention. There may also be 
a seven-cent sale of small articles. The menu may be 
arranged according to the season, but should have at least 
four courses, the entire meal costing twenty-eight cents, or 
seven cents for each course a la carte. The following verses 
written on the invitations will explain: 

" On the seventh instant, without fail, 
Will be held the annual seven-cent sale 
By the tireless ladies of Grace Church Guild, 
With high and heavenly ardor filled. 

" The door of the Parish House is wide. 
And for seven cents you may go inside. 
And every luckiest seventh one 
May go in free and see the fun. 

" There '11 be bargain packages piled up high, 
And seven round cents your choice can buy; 
For seven cents you can buy such cake 
As your mother herself never dared to make. 

" You can eat ice cream for seven cents. 
So good you '11 forget all about expense, 
And of fancy-work you '11 find a feast 
At prices that end in seven at least. 

" So remember every one, I pray, 
At seven o'clock on the seventh day 
Of this present month, come wet or dry. 
Please gather to laugh, and talk, and buy!" 

An Indian Meal 

Put up one or two tents for wigwams and send the invita- 
tions on paper arrows through which a feather is thrust. There 
could be a sale of baskets, bead-work, and pottery, if the affair 
is given for a church or charity. Girls dressed as squaws may 

205 



Novel Entertainments for 

serve as attendants at the booths and act in the capacity of 
waitresses. There are Indian post cards which would make 
very good place cards or souvenirs. For refreshments serve : 

Corn meal mush, with milk 
Fish or some kind of game 

Bean soup 

Corn bread, corn muffins 

Maple sirup 

Indian meal pudding. 

A Mandarin Tea 

Chow Min. 

Boiled Rice. 

Plums Tea. 

Crystallized Fruits. 

CrystaUized Ginger. 

Chop Suey. 

Costumes, service, and viands as indicated above should 
be in Chinese mode. 

CHOW MIN FOR A MANDARIN TEA 

Obtain the Chinese noodles and macaroni at a Chinese 
market, or make them in narrow, long strips. Boil until tender. 
Saute roast fowl in oil, add chopped celery, olives cut in 
pieces, and one small onion sliced. Add a small quantity of 
brown sauce or gravy, and cook until the mixture is well heated 
and done. Season with salt and paprika, pour over the 
macaroni and noodles, and serve with boiled rice. 

CHOP SUEY 

This is in Chinatown a mixture of chicken livers, gizzards, 
fresh pork, green ginger root, and celery. For the Mandarin 
Tea try out slices of canned Cervelat sausage, and saute in 
the fat chickens' livers and gizzards. Add a small quantity 
of green ginger root and celery. When heated in the fat, add 
olive oil, vinegar, boiling water, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, 
and a dash of spice. Simmer for thirty minutes. Add a small 

206 



Every Day in the Year 

can of mushrooms, half-cup of French peas, and serve the 
mixture with the sho-yii sauce, which can be purchased at a 
Chinese grocery. 

A Colonial Tea 

Attendants in Colonial costumes. 
Serve the following menu: 

Oyster Pie 

Cold Ham and Turkey 

Baked Beans 

Hot Biscuit Cornbread 

Preserves Pickles 

Cup Custard Pound Cake 

Coffee Tea 

Brass candlesticks with unshaded bayberry candles. Have 
an exhibit of Colonial things. 



207 



Novel Entertainments for 



CHAPTER XVL- ENGAGEMENT AN- 
NOUNCEMENTS, SHOWERS, WED- 
DINGS, WEDDING ANNI- 
VERSARIES 

The Bride's Household Linen 

ONE of the happiest periods in the hfe of a girl is the time 
before her wedding, when the days are full of prepara- 
tions for the new home. Of recent years affairs for the 
bride-to-be have taken a prominent place in the social calendar, 
and friends are glad to take this opportunity of showing little 
attentions which never can be given at any other time. The 
question is asked frequently, ^^What is the least in the way 
of household linen for a bride to start with?" Of course a 
store of linen is an almost priceless possession, and it ought 
to be of a good quality. 

A half-dozen sheets, one dozen pillow cases, three dozen 
towels, a half-dozen bath towels, a dozen wash cloths, four 
tablecloths, two lunch cloths, with three dozen napkins, are 
about as small an outfit as it is practicable to start with. These 
pieces should be marked with the bride's own initials or mono- 
gram. The old custom of starting dower chests for little girls 
is much in favor in this country. From time immemorial it 
has been done in Europe. If a girl never marries she will 
always enjoy the things in her own room. 

In the olden times, almost simultaneously with the birth 
of a girl baby her dower chest was commenced. As the maiden 
grew she spun and wove a goodly supply of household furnish- 
ings, besides her own personal linen. 

Suggestions for Engagement Announcements 

Such an announcement is usually made at a luncheon to 
which the intimate friends of the bride elect are asked. Hearts, 

208 



Every Day in the Year 




, PLACE CARD SUGGESTION 
For a Wedding Breakfast or a Christmas Affair 



209 



Novel Entertainments for 

true lovers' knots, cupids, bows and arrows are all appropriate 
for decorations. Pink is the best color to use, as all the world 
generally assumes le couleur de rose when a girl is in this bliss- 
ful state. 

Before the dessert course is served, have the doorbell ring 
violently, and the maid will bring in a telegram to the hostess, 
who asks permission to open and read it ; whereupon she will 
read aloud the announcement of the engagement, then con- 
gratulations follow. 

Another way is to prepare English walnuts with pretty 
quotations written and concealed inside the shells, which are 
glued together; on one write the news. 

One hostess in announcing the engagement had a very 
small envelope at each place, the outside bearing the guest's 
name, while the card bore the names of the couple. The 
envelope was sealed with a gilt heart. 

Still another hostess had her table decorated with a minia- 
ture bridal procession of dolls exquisitely dressed; ribbons 
radiated to each plate and were attached to heart-shaped 
baskets containing bonbons. The bride's chair was orna- 
mented with a huge bow of tulle, and the souvenirs were tiny 
white slippers filled with candied rice. The flowers were 
bridesmaid roses, the candles and shades pink, with glass 
candlesticks. 

A Story Announcement 

The bride elect had lived in the community all her life, so 
this manner of telling the world of this most important event 
was a very pretty way of making the announcement. Her 
sister, who was married, invited ten of the girl's most intimate 
friends to a luncheon, and there was nothing unusual in the 
preparations to indicate the denouement. When the coffee was 
served in the drawing-room, the hostess said she had a short 

210 



Every Day in the Year 

original story to read in which she thought the guests would 
be interested. Then followed a cleverly written resume of 
the girl's life from babyhood, under an assumed name. As 
the events were related light began to dawn, but no one said 
a word until the story was finished ; then congratulations were 
in order, and a silver loving-cup was passed, in which was 
some rare old wine used only to drink the health of some 
member of the family on the occasion of a great event in his 
life. Some of this sparkling liquor had been used when the 
mother of the bride elect was married, and at the christening of 
the baby daughter. The bride's health would be drunk at the 
wedding, and then the rare old product would be put away to 
await the next important family event. 

A Musical Announcement 

This unique method of announcing her engagement was 
employed by a Western girl ; the young man lived out of town, 
so no one suspected. He was a guest at the house when a num- 
ber of the girl's friends received an invitation for an informal 
musicale. 

On assembling they received programmes ornamented with 
a bow of white satin ribbon, and with hearts sprinkled daintily 
over the surface of the card. At the top was written: '^An 
evening with the bride elect," and the following programme 
was written on the inside page : 

''The American Boy," two-step. Flinn. 
*'My Lady Love," waltzes. Rosey. 
** Adoration," waltzes. Rosey. 
*'I'd Leave My Happy Home for You." 
''The Bride-Elect," march. SousA. 
''Autumn Tints," valse. Cockrill. 
"Wedding March," from "Lohengrin." 
"The Honey Moon," march. Rosey. 
"Home, Sweet Home." Payne. 
"The Sweet Long Ago." Blake. 

By the time this musical love story was finished the young 

211 



Novel Entertainments for 

man and the clever girl were receiving the hearty congratula- 
tions and good wishes of their friends. The ice cream was 
served in the form of musical instruments, and the place cards 
were decorated with a few bars of the Wedding March. 

A Unique Method 

A HOSTESS who wished to announce the engagement of a 
friend devised this pretty method. Only the very close friends 
of the girl in question were asked, eight in number. While they 
were seated around the dining-room table over the chocolate 
cups, the hostess produced a small jeweller's box sealed, and 
looking most interesting, as such packages always do. She 
said the package had been sent to her with the word if no 
instructions came by a certain hour that she was to open it, 
and the owner would claim the contents. The uncovering 
of the box revealed a diamond solitaire. Of course all the 
girls exclaimed, and all but one disclaimed any knowledge of 
file circlet. Then the hostess said: 

"Here 's to the bride-to-be, 

All smiling bright and fair, 
And here 's to those who 'd like to be, 

If they only knew when and where! " 

and placed it upon the blushing owner's finger. Congratula- 
tions and questions followed, and there was no need of any 
further entertainment scheme. 

An Engagement Luncheon 

The announcement of an engagement is always full of 
interest, and here is the description of a beautiful luncheon 
at which ten of the nearest and dearest friends of the bride 
elect sat down to the feast. The color scheme was pink; 
the tablecloth was laid over that color, while the centrepiece 
was a cut-glass bowl filled with Mermet roses. The candles 
were pink, in glass holders. 

212 



Every Day 



1 n 



the Year 




's^i 



is 



213 



Novel Entertainments for 

Each plate was outlined with pink carnations, forming 
a circle, except the place of honor, where the pinks formed a 
heart. The place cards were Cupids, doing all sorts of things, 
but that of the bride elect had a heart upon it, pierced by an 
arrow, and Cupid was putting the rest of his arrows back into 
the quiver. The almond holders were pink rosebud boxes, and 
on opening hers the bride elect found her engagement ring. 
Congratulations followed, and every one was completely sur- 
prised. 

The regulation luncheon was served. Cupids ornamented 
the small cakes, and the hostess had put a thimble in one, a 
ring in another, and a coin in a third. The finding of these 
articles caused much merriment. 

Bridal Showers 

The bride of to-day is a very lucky individual, for, besides 
her wedding presents, she has all sorts of delightful affairs 
given by her intimate friends. There are ^'stocking," ^^hand- 
kerchief," ^^ plate and cup and saucer," *^ linen," ^^book," 
'^flower," ^^kitchen," and ^^novelty" showers. Some or all 
of these functions are likely to fall to the lot of a girl who 
announces her engagement, and who gives her friends this 
opportunity to show their good will. Great care should be 
taken that only one's nearest and dearest friends are asked to 
parties of this kind ; strangers, or mere calling acquaintances, 
should not be asked to contribute, for it would be embarrassing 
both to the giver and the recipient ; this is one of the instances 
where a hostess must be sure of whom the bride elect would 
like to have present. Remember that *Hhe gift without the 
giver is bare." 

One of the very latest fads is a turnover collar shower. 
Each guest is asked to bring material for a turnover and her 
thimble, and at the conclusion of an afternoon the fair (we 
take it for granted that adjective applies) bride-to-be will 
have a number of these useful accessories to her trousseau. 

214 



Every Day in the Year 

The book shower must be arranged by a person who can 
find out what volumes the recipient does not possess, so there 
will not be duplicates. The name of the donor with an in- 
scription will greatly enhance the value of the gift, and it 
is safe to say that this collection will be more than prized 
when placed upon the book shelves of the new home. 

The handkerchief and linen showers are both pretty. 
Each article can be thrown at the bride until she is fairly 
buried under the white offering. 

A unique way was devised for the stocking shower by 
having a large ^^shoe" candy box in the centre of the luncheon 
table with a ribbon going to each place; when the ribbons 
were pulled all drew out favors except the honored guest, who 
drew out a number of white packages, all rolled tight in white 
tissue paper — a pair of silk hose from each guest present. 

A flower shower is the very prettiest of all, and should be 
given the day before the wedding. Each guest brings a bunch 
of flowers, and the bride is literally showered with blossoms 
from a huge floral ball suspended in a doorway. Have a 
large ball made of wire, cover with moss, and fill closely with 
flowers; carnations make a perfect sphere. The ball is made 
in halves and filled with rose petals. When farewells are being 
said the hostess pulls a ribbon which separates the two halves, 
releasing the petals, which fall upon the young woman who is 
about to leave the realm of single blessedness for the new and 
unknown way. This scattering rose leaves on the pathway 
of a bride is a very old custom. 

Two Bridal Showers 

Of all the varieties of showers, these two have the advantage 
of being inexpensive and most acceptable to the bride elect. 
The first to be chronicled is a glass and jar shower. Each 
guest is asked to bring a jar of fruit, pickles, marmalade, jelly, 
preserves, catsup. Chili sauce, or whatever she may happen to 
have. The second is exceedingly clever. It is a washcloth, 

215 



Novel Entertainments for 

soap, and bath towel shower. The packages are deposited in 
a large clothes basket profusely decorated with white ribbon; 
there will be every variety of soap, and all sorts of washcloths, 
all tied up with tissue paper and ribbon. A dainty luncheon 
will be served, and the souvenirs will be diminutive slippers 
filled with candied rice. 

A China Shower 

A PRETTY way is to have each article marked with the 
donor's name and a suitable sentiment or jingle with it, to be 
read as each package is delivered by a special messenger; 
or the parcels may be brought in on a tray at the table, if a 
luncheon is being served. This prolongs the feast, and is an 
entertainment all-sufficient. They may also be presented in 
the form of a ^^cobweb"; this necessitates the articles being 
sent to the hostess beforehand. Still another way is to hide 
the parcels, then have some one play loud and soft music on 
the piano, according to whether the bride in her search is 
**warm" or ^^cold," in other words, whether she is far from 
or near the object. 

A Sachet Shower 

Here is the very newest affair for a bride elect : A sachet 
shower, the prettiest sort of an afternoon ; and it has the merit 
of being inexpensive. The hostess provided a lot of Japanese 
paper napkins of good quality, a bolt of pink baby ribbon, a 
supply of large darning needles, and a bottle of sachet powder. 
Then in the invitations each guest was asked to bring her 
thimble and material for some kind of a sachet. And such a 
variety of sweet trifles fell to the lot of this popular bride! 
There were tiny triangles of silk to be fastened inside the 
waists, linen ones filled with lavender to be laid among the 
sheets and pillow cases ; perfumed blotters to lay on the desk ; 
and not least were the dainty drawer and trunk sachets which 
the hostess told them how to build out of the paper napkins. 
A thin layer of cotton was placed between a row of three nap- 

216 



Every Day in the Year 

kins forming the top and three the bottom, being laced to- 
gether by the baby ribbon; then the two halves were laced 
together and fastened in the corners with a bow of the ribbon. 
In this instance an intimate friend had got the size of 
bureau and chiffonier drawers, and the sachets were made to 
fit exactly. They will last a year, and being so inexpensive 
may be thrown away without regret when soiled. 

A Handkerchief Shower 

This afif air for a prospective bride was arranged in a very 
clever manner. Twelve intimate friends were invited to 
luncheon, with the request to bring the gift mouchoir rolled 
up into the smallest package possible. Before going to the 
dining-room the hostess took all the packages and disap- 
peared. When luncheon was announced, with one voice the 
guests exclaimed ^^How pretty! " Suspended from the chande- 
lier there was an inverted Japanese umbrella; from each rib 
there was a smaller umbrella; and from the centre, hung by 
ribbons, there was a gilded watering can, the sprinkler of which 
had twelve holes with baby ribbons of dififerent colors coming 
out. At the end of each ribbon there was a tightly rolled 
package. The effect was lovely. The place cards were mini- 
ature ^^Jap'' parasols with the cards tied to the handles. 
The candle shades were ornamented with these same tiny 
parasols, and a small lantern filled with candied puffed rice was 
at each place. The mint sherbet, which was the dessert, had 
smilax twined around the tall glass, with another little um- 
brella in the top of the glass. 

An Apron Shower 

An apron shower given for a bride elect proved to be a most 
enjoyable affair, and the little bride-to-be was delighted with 
her supply of aprons. 

The hostess asked the guests to bring material for any kind 
of an apron, with their thimbles; the hours were from two 

217 



Novel Entertainments for 

until five. On arriving, the girls were taken upstairs into a 
spacious room, v^hich contained tv^o sewing machines. There 
were two kitchen aprons; two of dainty white, made long to 
cover the best gown while preparing Sunday night tea; two 
work aprons with bibs and pockets; three of lawn, trimmed 
with ruflBes and lace for serving afternoon tea, and one with 
sleeves. Amid merry chatter and exchange of confidences 
so dear to girlish hearts, the hum of the machines and flying 
fingers, the hours passed so rapidly that when the hostess 
called time as the clock struck five it was impossible to realize 
that ten aprons had been made and piled into a basket made 
by a Dutch peasant, and which henceforth was to be a market 
receptacle for the new housekeeper. 

A maid brought in a tray containing a plate of toasted 
crackers with glasses of iced chocolate, and tea for those who 
preferred it. A plate of maple fudge (the usual accompaniment 
to girls' affairs) had been in circulation during the afternoon; 
also a dish of salted Jumbo peanuts. 

Two Linen Showers 

Write notes to the guests, who should all be near friends 
of the bride elect; ask them to send their little linen contri- 
butions the day before the shower. The hour is usually 
from two until five. Tie a pretty parasol to a hook in the 
ceiling or suspend it between two rooms in a doorway. 
Pile the linen into this, and then tie a white satin ribbon on to 
one side, so that when pulled it will turn the things out upon 
the guest of honor, so it will be literally a shower. After all 
have arrived, get some one to play the Wedding March, and all 
form in line; when the bride is under the parasol the ribbon 
is pulled and the rest of the time is spent in admiring the 
gifts and reading the sentiments attached to them. For re- 
freshments nothing is more acceptable than tea brewed in the 
drawing-room, with tiny cakes and dainty sandwiches, and 
these light refreshments do not sppil one's appetite for dinner. 

218 



Every Day in the Year 

Stuffed dates, candied orange peel, preserved ginger, and bon- 
bons are always permissible accessories to an afternoon tea 
table. 

Make heart-shaped cards out of pink cardboard, punch 
holes and tie pink pencils on them. Next write the trans- 
posed letters of the words of the articles in a bride's trousseau 
like this : ^^hseos," ^^rskit," etc. Correctly placed, these letters 
become*^ shoes " and ^^ skirt,"etc. Allow twenty minutes for this 
contest. Then for the "shower," hide the packages all over 
the rooms and make the bride elect hunt for them to music, 
played "loud'' and "soft." 

This Vv^ill make no end of fun, and as each package is opened 
when found, it will take some time and provide ample enter- 
tainment. If the donors write an appropriate quotation it 
will add much to the enjoyment of all. 

A Recipe Shower 

The recipe book was brought in on a tray, as the last course 
of a luncheon given for a recent bride. This book was pur- 
chased already illustrated with pictures of a housekeeper at 
her various occupations. There was ample space under 
each picture for the recipes which were contributed by the 
guests. They were sent to the hostess some days before the 
luncheon, and she had them put in the book by an expert 
letterer; then each contributor signed her own name. As 
far as possible favorite dishes of the bride had been selected, 
and she said in her far away Western home she was sure the 
book would bring to her more comfort and home thoughts than 
anything that could have been given her. 

On the first page of the book this rhyme was written: 

*^ Whatever you happen 

To think of our looks, 
We 're sure you '11 acknowledge 
We 're very good cooks." 

219 



Novel Entertainments for 



This was one of the ^^ salad'' recipes: 

"Two choice cuts of energy, 
And eggs of hard cold cash ; 
Add freely oil diplomacy, 
With salt of tact a dash. 
Bedeck with leaves of cheerfulness, 
And pepper well with nerve ; 
Behold your salad of success is ready; 
Stir and serve." 



A Miscellaneous Shower 

By way of novelty this scheme probably exceeds any shower 
yet bestowed upon a bride elect. Twelve close friends made 
out a list of things very useful but often forgotten in the best 
regulated families and when the afternoon arrived for the 
farewell tea, a huge paper sack was deposited at the feet of 
the honored guest with the request to look in it for any thing 
she did n*t have, or could not find. The couple were going 
at once to housekeeping, and the contents had been purchased 
with that thought in mind. 

The following are some of the objects : a paper of tacks, 
ball of string, paper of needles, labels for bottles, box of wax 
matches, lead pencils, clipping scissors, tack-hammer, cork- 
screw, memorandum pad, and a bottle of ink. 

A Pre-Nuptial Luncheon 

This charming pre-nuptial luncheon was given for a bride 
elect. The table was a dream. In the centre, to simulate a 
lake, there was an oblong mirror, surrounded with smilax and 
trailing vines. On this lake white swans floated, holding in 
their beaks streamers of narrow green ribbon, which radiated 
to the place of each guest. A tiny white swan stood upright 
on the place card. There was a small box concealed under 
the wing, large enough to hold the salted almonds. There 
was a green candle at each plate in a holder of glass. In 

220 



Every Day in the Year 

the beak of each swan there was a diminutive envelope, sealed 
with a little gold heart. The card inside bore the names of 
the engaged couple. 

Celery soup with chopped parsley sprinkled over the top 
was first served; then creamed sweetbreads in heart-shaped 
pastry shells, Saratoga potatoes, hot rolls, white grape and 
pecan nut salad, pistachio ice cream in the form of hearts with 
an arrow of white, and heart-shaped cakes finished this green 
and white luncheon. Tiny glasses of cr^me de menthe were 
served in the drawing-room. The hostess was gowned in green, 
with white trimmings. A very pretty feature was the crowning 
of the bride-to-be with a wreath of myrtle, which signified good 
luck. She gave each maid a pink garter, to be worn for a 
year, to bring success in all affairs of the heart. 

An Afteraoon Tea for a Bride Elect 

The hostess asked her guests, who were all intimate friends 
of the bride-to-be, each to bring an article used in the kitchen. 
When all had arrived they were served with a cup of tea, wafers 
were passed in a new skillet, ornamented with a huge bow 
of white satin ribbon. Popcorn was passed in a large brass 
kettle, dipped out with a poached tgg lifter; bonbons were 
passed on tin pie plates, and fruit was eaten with kitchen 
paring knives. At intervals the maid appeared with all sorts 
of odd-shaped packages, which were delivered to the guest 
of honor. After this, the hostess distributed cards decorated 
with pictures of kitchen utensils and the word ^^ Kitchen 
Quiz" on them. Inside the folds were these questions: 

What a good workman has and to rent ? — Skill-let. 

A poet and a dog ? — Foe-cur. 

A vegetable and a conceited dude ? — Potato-masher. 

A number of mountains ? — Range. 

Member of a baseball nine ? — Pitcher. 

What men sometimes do with their money? — Sink (it). 

The appearance of being ill ? — Pail. 

What curious people try to do? — Pump. 

221 



Novel Entertainments for 

Impudence and a receptacle for pie ? — Sauce-pan. 
A football ground ? — Gridiron. 
A letter and what you are in ? — B-room. 
The branching of a river ? — Fork. 
An affectionate couple ? — Spoons. 

What the guest of honor is about to become and what every well-* 
regulated household needs ? — Cook. 

A Silhouette Party for the Bride Elect 

A Silhouette Party given for a bride elect was declared 
by the guests to be one of the most deHghtful and amusing 
affairs they had attended. Each guest was given a small 
square of black paper (procured at a stationer's or picture 
framer's) and a pair of scissors, with instructions to cut a sil- 
houette of the bride elect performing some household duty. 
The subjects were: ^'Her First Baking Day," ^^ Saturday 
She Scrubbed," ^^Monday at the Tub," ^^ Tuesday She Ironed," 
^^ Thursday Is Sweeping Day," ^^ Friday She Dusted." One 
of the girls posed for the amateur artists, sitting or standing 
as she was requested. Of course every one protested that she 
never could cut out anything recognizable, but the results 
proved the contrary. After the figures were cut out, they were 
pasted on white mats, given the titles they were supposed to 
represent, signed by the artist, and all given to the bride-to-be 
— a souvenir of a most delightful afternoon. When refresh- 
ments were served, the table was decorated with a baking pan 
which was filled with flowers; a scrubbing brush bore the 
guest of honor's place card ; a small flatiron held her napkin 
down ; while a miniature broom and a half-dozen cheesecloth 
dusters were on her chair. This was a very practical bridal 
shower and was much appreciated. 

PERTAINING TO WEDDINGS 

Wedding-Day Omens 

It is said — by whom no one seems to know — that if the 
day chosen by a girl for her wedding proves to be rainy, her 

222 



Every Day in the Year 

life will be filled with more sorrow than joy. Be that as it 
may, one of the happiest of marriages was made on Friday the 
thirteenth day of the month, and at the hour set for the cere- 
mony there was a most terrific thunderstorm. In spite of 
the fact that for years it has been said that Saturday was the 
most unlucky day of the week for weddings, of late it has been 
selected by brides of international fame. 

If the carriage containing the bride should meet a funeral 
procession, the driver must be instructed to turn some other 
way. If he does not, fate decrees that she will not long sur- 
vive the wedding. 

To avoid the possibility of any bad luck on her wedding day, 
the bride elect should not offer to assist in washing or wiping the 
family dishes, for if by chance she should happen to break a 
bit of china, it would be an exceedingly evil omen — the old 
record does not say what, but it would be prudent not to 
tempt fate. 

Gray is the color a bride should choose for her going-away 
gown if she wishes to wear what for ages has been considered 
the proper thing to insure good luck. Perhaps that is the 
reason there has been such an unprecedented demand for gray. 

When the cake known as the ^'groom's" is passed at a 
wedding supper the girl who gets the longest piece will be the 
first married. Maidens anxious to leave the state of single 
blessedness should consult the head waiter and see that the 
cake is cut in irregular pieces. 

Fate was certainly kind when she decreed that for a bride 
to shed tears on her wedding day was a good omen, for it would 
take a pretty stoical young woman to go through breaking 
home ties without a few tears, no matter how alluring the pros- 
pect of the new life. 

Snow falling on a wedding day augurs well for the happy 
couple, being the prophecy of great happiness. That may be 
the reason why the winter months are so popular for marriages 

From the following lists of months the bride may select 
the one which she considers most auspicious. 

223 



Novel Entertainments for 



Married in January's hoar and rime, 
Widowed you '11 be before your prime. 

Married in February's sleety weather, 
Life you '11 tread in tune together. 

Married when March winds shrill and roar, 
Your home will lie on a foreign shore. 

Married 'neath April's changeful skies, 
A checkered path before you lies. 

Married when bees o'er May blossoms flit, 
Strangers around your board will sit. 

Married in month of roses — June — 
Life will be one long honeymoon. 

Married in July, with flowers ablaze. 
Bitter-sweet mem'ries in after days. 

Married in August's heat and drowse, 
Lover and friend in your chosen spouse. 

Married in golden September's glow, 
Smooth and serene your life will go. 

Married when leaves in October thin. 
Toil and hardship for you begin. 

Married in veils of November mist, 
Fortune your wedding ring has kissed. 

Married in days of December cheer. 

Love's star shines brighter from year to year. 



Marry when the year is new. 
Always loving, kind, and true. 
When February birds do mate 
You may wed, nor dread your fate. 
If you wed when March winds blow, 
Joy and sorrow both you '11 know. 
Marry in April when you can, 
Joy for maiden and for man. 
Marry in the month of May, 
You will surely rue the day. 
Marry when June roses blow, 
Over land and sea you '11 go. 

224 



Every Day in the Year 

They who in July do wed 

Must labor always for their bread. 

Whoever wed in August be, 
Many a change are sure to see. 
Marry in September's shine, 
Your living will be rich and fine. 

If in October you do marry, 
Love will come, but riches tarry. 
If you wed in bleak November 
Only joy will come, remember. 
When December's snows fall fast, 
Marry, and true love will last. 

As for the days in the week, the following jingle is almost as 
old as time. Every girl reads it and then of course chooses 
the day that best suits her convenience. 

Monday for health, 
Tuesday for wealth, 

Wednesday the best day of all; 
Thursday for losses, 
Friday for crosses. 

And Saturday no luck at all. 

Probably nine lasses out of every ten go to the altar wearing 
the proverbial : 

Something old, something new. 
Something borrowed, something blue, 
And a gold dollar in her shoe. 

The following information will doubtless be acceptable to 
many readers. What the color of one's wedding gown signi- 
fies: 

Married in gray, you will go far away. 

Married in black, you will wish yourself back. 

Married in brown, you will live out of town. 

Married in red, you will wish yourself dead. 

Married in pearl, you will live in a whirl. 

Married in green, ashamed to be seen. 

Married in yellow, ashamed of your fellow. 

Married in blue, he will always be true. 

Married in pink, your spirits will sink. 

Married in white, you have chosen aright. 
225 



Novel Entertainments for 

Rice at Weddings 

At a wedding supper, the guests found at each plate a 
dainty little white basket made from spun sugar and filled with 
candied puffed rice, colored pink. 

The question was asked why rice was always used at a 
wedding, and one of the guests related this pretty tradition: 

In the early ages doves were symbolical of peace and happi- 
ness. A bridal party in passing along a thoroughfare so 
frightened these gentle birds that they flew away in alarm. 
To avert the bad omen which their flight signified for the newly 
wedded pair, rice was thrown in profusion to lure them back. 
The strategy was successful, and the couple were so prosperous 
and happy that ever since rice has been used as a symbol of 
good luck, peace, and plenty. 

Custom of Orange Blossoms 

This old custom is of Spanish origin; the legend is that 
a high and mighty ruler in Africa once gave an old Spanish 
king a flourishing orange tree whose blossoms were the admira- 
tion of all who saw them, but all begged in vain for a cutting 
from this wonderful tree. Most unfortunate was a foreign 
ambassador who wished to introduce the fragrant blossom 
into his own country. By accident the head gardener broke off 
a spray and gave it to his fascinating daughter, who placed it 
in her hair. The ambassador, seeing it, offered a large sum 
of money for her dowry if she would give him the waxen 
flowers. Of course she complied with the request, and on 
her marriage, remembering the good luck brought by the 
orange blossom, she secretly broke off another spray and wore 
it in her hair. Her example has been followed ever since by 
brides of all nations, who recognize the orange blossom as 
their especial prerogative. 



226 



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TWO EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE DECORATION 
Strawberries with Powdered Sugar — Grape Fruit with Strawberries 



Every Day in the Year 

A Candlelight Wedding 

A CANDLELIGHT wedding was a most beautiful affair, and 
so appropriate for winter. The upright piano held a row of 
candlesticks, one high, one low, and when the candles were 
lit the efifect was very pretty. The mantels were done the 
same way, and the plate rail in the dining-room. Then there 
were tall holders, each with a single tall candle, in the corners of 
the room. 

The tall church candles were used, as they would burn 
several hours. Just before the ceremony two small boys, 
dressed as pages, came in with ribbon-decorated gas-lighters 
and lit all the candles. 

The bridal party stood under an archway, and over the top 
fastened into the wire framework, were hundreds of small 
white candles. 

The bridal table was decorated with a large wreath of green 
vines and white rosebuds, suspended by broad white ribbons 
about two feet from the table top. It had a circle of burning 
candles. The bride, of course, wore white, but the four maids 
were gowned in pink, and the guests said they never had seen 
a prettier wedding. Everything and everybody appears to 
good advantage by candlelight. 

A Bridal Breakfast 

A RECENT Boston bride carried out the wedding bell idea 
in a most effective manner. A cluster of five bells, made of 
wire and covered with ferns, were suspended over the dining- 
room table by white satin ribbons. The rims of the bells 
were of white carnations, the clappers were of white rosebuds. 
At each plate the guest found his name inscribed on a white 
card decorated with a hand-painted spray of maidenhair 
ferns, and in the upper left-hand corner a tiny bell was tied 
with a bow of white ribbon. These bells may be purchased 
by the dozen or hundred, and are called costume bells. 

227 



Novel Entertainments for 

The ice cream was frozen in bell-shaped moulds, with a 
spray of orange blossoms at the top, and instead of the regula- 
tion square cake boxes for souvenirs, they, too, were bell- 
shaped, with the initials of the bride and groom in green and 
white tracery. The ceremony was performed under a huge 
veil, and the aisle was formed by a bevy of young maids who 
held ropes of smilax instead of the customary ribbons. 

Wedding Anniversaries 

First Year — Cotton. 
Second Year — Paper. 
Third Year — Leather. 
Fifth Year — Wooden. 
Seventh Year — Woollen. 
Tenth Year — Tin. 
Twelfth Year — Linen. 
Fifteenth Year — Crsytal. 
Twentieth Year — China. 
Twenty -fifth Year — Silver. 
Thirtieth Year — Pearl. 
Fortieth Year — Ruby. 
Fiftieth Year — Golden. 
Seventy-fifth Year — Diamond, 

The Cotton Wedding 

One year of wedded life brings the Cotton Anniversary, 
and it may be made a most attractive affair. So soon after 
the original ceremony it will probably not be a diflScult matter 
to arrange for a reunion of the bridal party, and this alone will 
make the occasion a memorable one. Send the invitations 
on squares of fine cotton cloth written with indelible ink. 

Decorate the rooms with vines, plants, and branches. 
Over these put a quantity of fluffy cotton flakes. Portieres 
and window drapes are effective made from strips of white 
cotton. If cards are to be the amusement, *^ Hearts" is a 
good game, and there are so many articles in the shape of 
hearts which will make appropriate souvenirs and prizes. The 

228 



Every Day in the Year 

dining-room table may be covered with thin layers of cotton 
instead of a linen cover. At each place put a cotton snowball 
tied with ribbon, the name card tucked under the bow. Inside 
the ball put a tiny souvenir. The centrepiece should be a 
jardiniere wrapped with cotton and filled with the kind 
of flowers that were used at the event of a year ago. 

There should be a wedding cake containing a ring, a piece 
of money, and a thimble ; all young people know the meanings 
of these symbols, and there will be a jolly time when the bride 
cuts the cake. Have the ice cream frozen in balls, tied with 
ribbons of spun sugar candy of the color used at the original 
wedding supper. 

The gifts to be given the happy pair are, of course, limited 
to articles made from cotton. One little bride of a year re- 
joiced in a generous cotton crepe kimono and the groom in a 
pair of pajamas. These were given by the bridal party and 
were sent in a huge packing box which was delivered during 
the party. Opening this box caused much merriment, as on 
each successive wrapping there was written a clever little 
rhyme. 

The Paper Wedding 

The Paper Wedding is the second anniversary, and It may 
be the joUiest kind of an affair with little trouble and small 
expense. These occasions should be confined to the family 
and intimate friends and in consequence be very informal, full 
of good comradeship and sincerity. 

Tablecloths and napkins come in really artistic patterns 
and are just the thing to use, also paper flowers to decorate 
with and for the centrepiece. Years ago when hothouses 
were an almost unknown quantity except with the very rich, 
flowers of paper were always used, and considered the height 
of fashion. Doilies of lace paper come in all sizes, also paper 
holders for bonbons, salted nuts, and ices, so the table may 
be set without a bit of linen. 

Have the snapping-cracker caps to put on before refresh- 

229 



Novel Entertainments for 

ments; by having two of each color partners may be chosen. 
If the hostess wishes and it is practicable, the guests may be 
asked to come in costumes of paper. The girls can achieve 
most charming toilets by purchasing for a trifle the last year 
patterns from a modiste or a pattern maker. The men will 
probably have to content themselves with neckties of paper 
and a huge boutonnibre. Portieres and window draperies 
made from strips of crepe paper are astonishingly pretty, 
especially in pink and white. To make the decorations still 
more papery, quantities of Japanese lanterns, parasols, and 
fans may be used. For amusement a game could be con- 
cocted from the flags of all nations, which are of paper and 
come in an envelope for the sum of ten cents. To the person 
guessing the most, award a prize of a box of stationery or any 
of the numerous articles made from paper. 

The Leather Wedding 

The Leather Wedding is the third anniversary, and a dinner 
party is an enjoyable way to celebrate. Six or eight well- 
chosen guests are a good number, and the table may be made 
most attractive. Use one of those pretty green or brown skins 
in place of a cloth, with plate doilies to match. The centre- 
piece can be a low earthenware jar filled with flowers. For 
the place cards use squares of leather with the letters done in 
gold. Another very appropriate centrepiece would be three 
kid slippers, heels together, with the toes pointed out, filled 
with flowers. 

If expense does not have to be considered, card cases for 
all, with the name stamped on the inside, would make exquis- 
ite place cards. From the chandelier over the table suspend 
three wedding bells. After the repast each guest must take 
a turn with the *^good luck" slipper; it must be an old one, or 
the charm will not work. Twirl it three times around the head 
from left to right, make a wish, and then throw it on the 
floor behind the back. If it falls with the toe pointed toward 

230 



Every Day in the Year 

you, the wish will come true; if the heel, there is no hope of 

fulfilment ; if it lands sideways — 

"There 's a good time coming. 
Wait a little longer." 

Wooden Wedding Suggestions 

Invitations for a Wooden Wedding, which is the fifth 
anniversary of wedded bliss, may be sent out on squares of 
birch bark, which takes ink or printing very well. Decorate 
with fresh, curly shavings, and boughs of trees, if they are pro- 
curable. The refreshment table may be most unique. For the 
centrepiece use a large wooden chopping bowl, filled with 
fruit. Put olives, bonbons, and salted nuts in little wooden 
dishes such as grocers use for butter. Pass wooden plates 
and wooden forks and spoons. At each plate have a birch- 
bark card with the guest's name and a suitable quotation. 

Serve coffee, chicken patties, with peas and mushrooms 
mixed with the dressing, and charlotte russe. In the top of 
the charlotte stick a little paper-ornamented stick such as 
caterers use on lamb chops. 

For amusement try a nail-pounding or a whittling contest for 
the ladies, and let the men dress dolls made from clothespins. 
Then have a small washtub filled with sawdust, out of which 
each guest will draw a tiny wooden box filled with wedding 
cake. 

The Woollen Wedding 

The seventh wedding anniversary is the Woollen Wedding, 
and it can be made a much more enjoyable affair than the 
name indicates. For the table centrepiece have a large cake ; 
if it is placed on a fern-decorated box to raise it up, the effect 
will be more pleasing. On the top put a doll dressed as 
Little Bo-Peep and a lot of tiny woolly sheep, which may be 
purchased for a penny apiece at a toy shop. At each place, as 
a souvenir for the guest, have a little sheep with a bell on a 
ribbon around the neck. 

231 



Novel Entertainments for 

For amusement prepare a number of cards about seven by 
five inches in size; have needles and various colored worsteds 
ready. Tell the guests to prick any design they wish in the 
card and then work it with the wool after the kindergarten 
method. Allow a half-hour for this and then collect the finished 
creations and pin them up to be judged after the artists have 
signed their names. Award a prize for the best and one for the 
poorest. After the refreshments pass a huge ball of yarn to 
a person whom you know to be a good story-teller and request 
him to spin a yarn as the ball is unwound until a package is 
reached; then that person appropriates the ^^find," passes the 
ball to the next person, who continues the story where it was 
left off until he, too, is stopped by an obstacle in the ball. 
There are any number of small favors that may be used in 
making this ball. 

Tiny mutton pies may form a feature of this entertainment 
as they are suggestive of wool. Any of the essays by 
Charles or Mary Lamb would be suitable for prizes; also a 
drawing or a framed sketch of the ever adorable '^Mary" and 
her immortal lamb. Worsted balls such as babies love are 
a pretty decoration when suspended from the chandeliers and 
gas jets. 

The Tin Wedding 

Ten years brings the Tin Wedding, and the very jolliest 
kind of a time may be arranged by the couple who wish to 
celebrate this anniversary. Invite ten guests or more, but 
usually the few tried and true make the most agreeable 
company for an informal evening. The invitations are writ- 
ten on cards and envelopes bound with a very narrow tin 
band. Now for the decorations, which are wonderfully 
effective in the evening when the gas is lighted. Get the 
tinsmith to save all his tin shavings, and wind these pretty 
spirals around the chandeliers; hang them as drapery from 
the grills, over the curtains, and every place they will hang. 

At a trifling expense a wedding bell can be made of tin under 

232 



Every Day in the Year 

which the couple will stand to receive congratulations. A 
bouquet for the bride, tied with sprays of mignonette, a bou- 
tonnibre for the groom, hair ornaments, also bracelets and 
rings, may all be made of tin. Serve refreshments from a tin- 
decorated table. 

This is a good menu to serve, and a little out of the ordinary. 
Creamed fish or chicken in tin patty pans, sandwiches, olives, 
and coffee in tin cups; small cakes ornamented with silvered 
candies; chocolate bonbons and cigars wrapped in tin foil. 
Cider or a fruit punch may be served from a punch bowl 
concealed in a huge tin pan ; use a dipper for a ladle. In choos- 
ing partners for supper, pass tin stars, diamonds, squares, etc., 
which have been cut in halves. When the pieces are matched, 
partners are found. 

The Linen Wedding 

Twelve years of married life brings the Linen Wedding, 
and it can be made a very pretty affair. Write or print the 
invitations on small squares of linen or fine cotton cloth; 
inclose these in envelopes of paper made to represent hem- 
stitched linen. Lanterns can be made of white tissue paper, 
fringed, and stripes of red paper put on to look like towels. 
The frames are made of wire. Hang these from wires stretched 
overhead, and the effect is charming. Cover chairs, sofas, 
couches, etc., with white, and have all portieres, draperies, and 
curtains of white cheese cloth. Use the finest of tablecloths 
in the dining-room, and white paper doilies may be purchased 
to resemble hemstitched linen; use these under the ice cream 
or sherbet glasses. Serve a white menu. Here is a suggestion : 

Cream of barley soup with whipped cream 

Whitefish baked in ramakins 
Fried breast of chicken. Creamed potatoes 

Stewed celery 
Apple and almond salad on hearts of lettuce 

Grape fruit sherbet 
White cake, ornamented with almonds 
Lemon ice. 

233 



Novel Entertainments for 

The hostess wears a gown of white linen, and for this oc- 
casion the host dons a white linen outing suit. White parasols, 
opened and suspended by white ribbon, add to the decorations, 
and they can also be fastened over divans, making fine tete-a- 
tete corners. Light the rooms with white candles and have 
the gas turned low. 

The Crystal Wedding 

The Crystal Wedding day comes fifteen years after the date 
of the original ceremony, and is one of the very prettiest of all 
the anniversaries. The invitations may be written or painted 
upon sheets of thin, transparent celluloid, which is a very 
good substitute for glass, inclosing these cards in the regu- 
lation cream-colored envelope. It is best to have a reception 
with hours in the afternoon and evening, if there are to be many 
guests. The dining-room may be made most attractive by 
keeping everything in white, spreading a canvas on the floor, 
using glass candlesticks and white candles, with the daintiest 
of white shades. A pretty decoration is to have a large, hand- 
somely ornamented cake in the centre of the table, surrounded 
by fifteen candles. Scatter bride roses over the cloth, or white 
sweet peas. 

The tiny glass icicles for Christmas tree decorations are 
just the thing for an affair of this kind. Suspended from the 
chandeliers and gas jets, they catch and reflect the light in a 
most fascinating manner. In serving, glass must be used 
wherever possible. In Austria coffee is served in glass cups, 
and so the fashion could be introduced here on an occasion like 
this. Of course the bonbons, salted nuts, and olives will be in 
glass receptacles. In place of loaf sugar, substitute rock 
candy crystals in a cut-glass bowl. If the hostess is the owner 
of any lamps or candlesticks with glass pendants, this is the 
time to bring them out. 

If expense does not have to be considered, the tiny mirrors 
in metal settings would be charming souvenirs or place cards, 
the name written on the glass in red ink. A programme of 

234 



Every Day in the Year 

wedding music would be an addition to this reception. As 
for the gifts to be given, there is an endless variety from which 
to select. Articles for the desk, the toilet, and the table come 
in exquisite forms and colorings. 

The China Wedding 

When the twentieth anniversary comes, the average 
housekeeper is in need of having her china replenished, so it 
is a very acceptable anniversary to celebrate. The invita- 
tions may be issued bearing the date of the original ceremony 
and the present date. If possible use china candlesticks, tiny 
china bowls to hold salted nuts for souvenirs, and then have a 
musical programme. Or the affair may assume a Chinese 
character, doing everything d la chinoise, as far as practicable, 
— decorating with Chinese lanterns, using chopsticks, 
Chinese spoons, etc. Chinese flags may be obtained for 
use in decorating. Red should be the predominating color 
scheme, as to the Chinese it is symbolical of life, love, joy, 
and hope. Yellow is the imperial color, and the dragon a 
favorite emblem. Candied puffed rice could figure among the 
bonbons, and chop suey be served in small blue bowls. 

The entertainment would certainly be unique and dif- 
ferent from a formal reception. 

While it is a debatable question what real ^'chop suey'' 
is actually made of, we know that it was originally constructed 
from bamboo twigs stewed with meat. This recipe makes an 
adequate substitute: Cut a pound and a half of steak from 
the round into pieces about a finger in length and an inch wide ; 
put in two medium-sized onions, and stew for two hours. Add 
a good-sized bunch of celery cut into bits and cook for twenty 
minutes more. Thicken with a little flour and serve inside a 
ring of boiled rice. See also page 206. 

The Silver Wedding 

If the purse will admit, have the invitations engraved in 
silver to announce to the guests the celebration of a quarter of 

235 



Novel Entertainments for 

a century of wedded life. This is an occasion when friends 
rejoice to participate in the pleasure of offering their love and 
congratulations. 

The combination of rose color with silver is a very pleasing 
one and may be carried out in dining and reception rooms. 
A centrepiece of pink roses with pink candles in silver holders, 
the shades of frosted silver paper, would make an ideal table. 
Use side dishes of silver filled with bonbons wrapped in silver 
paper, nuts, olives, etc. Chains made of silver paper may 
radiate from the overhead lamp to the corners of the table 
with good effect. In the same way a canopy may be arranged 
under which the couple will stand to receive the best wishes of 
their friends. With pink ribbon, silver paper, and vines, a 
bower of beauty may be constructed on a framework of wire. 

Hang silver bells from doors and archways, or make them 
of green with silver rims and clappers 

If possible have an original poem read, with letters from 
absent friends. A programme of the songs popular twenty- 
five years ago would be an addition to the evening, and if the 
bride could wear her wedding gown it would add to the senti- 
ment. If not she should choose a lovely gray costume of silk 
or some thin material, and carry pink roses or violets; both 
are lovely with pale gray. • 

Serve the ice cream in cases representing silver bells ; and 
the place cards may be the same shape, bearing the date of 
the wedding and the present date. 

The Pearl, Ruby, and Diamond Anniversaries are seldom 
celebrated, but if any one wishes to observe the first two the 
details should be carried out along the lines of those already 
mentioned. A couple who are so fortunate as to see the dawn 
of the seventy-fifth anniversary should surely have the most 
beautiful diamond affair that could be devised by friends 
and relatives. The interested pair should be spared every 
detail and allowed to enjoy to the utmost such a rare occasion. 



236 



Every Day in the Year 



The Golden Wedding 

The fiftieth anniversary of the wedding day is certainly 
worthy of observation, especially in this day and generation, 
where the ties of matrimony seem to bind so lightly. The 
invitations are engraved in gold letters ; the hours are from eight 
to eleven. Decorate the room with quantities of yellow tulips, 
jonquils, carnations of the same gorgeous hue, and yellow 
roses. There should be an abundance of yellow candles in 
holders of brass and gilt; in the dining-room all shades on 
candle lamps and gas jets should be of pale yellow. Cover 
the table with a lace spread over yellow, and for a centrepiece 
have fifty golden roses in a brass flower-holder. Wrap the 
bonbons in gilt paper and frost the cakes with the yolks of eggs 
instead of the whites; the ice cream may be frozen eggnog, 
moulded into rose shape with the stem of artificial leaves. 
Have a wedding cake for the honored bride to cut as she did 
fifty years ago; around it place fifty small candles, and ask 
some of the guests to be prepared to give a toast or sentiment 
as the candles are extinguished. A delightful feature of the 
affair would be to have letters from the guests who were present 
at the original ceremony to be read on this occasion. 

At the dinner preceding the reception, when only the rela- 
tives and intimate friends are present, give the happy pair 
a gift of gold pieces, as many as circumstances will permit. 
This may be done in a most clever manner by having the 
florist make a ball of wire in two parts, cover it with ferns and 
flowers, and suspend in a doorway; place the couple under this, 
and two little grandchildren will pull the ribbons; the ball 
will open, literally showering the money, each piece being done 
up in yellow cotton. Have an orchestra play old-time selec- 
tions. Or if this is not practicable, some one can be asked to 
sing a number of old-time favorites. 



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CHAPTER XVIL- TOASTS AND SENTI- 
MENTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

IN ancient days the loving cup was used, and toasts 
were drunk on all occasions when friends met for social 
intercourse around the board. In this large cup of wine 
there was often a square of toasted bread; as the cup went 
the rounds each guest took a sip, made a wish, or expressed 
some pleasing sentiment ; and when the cup reached the host 
he finished the contents and ate the toast in honor of all the 
assembled party. The Romans drank to each other's good 
health, saying, '^I drink your health"; the Greek said, 
*^I salute you, be happy." 

In these modern times, nothing adds more to the pleasure 
of an aflfair than well-selected and appropriate toasts. 

FOR NEW year's DAY 

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky. 

The flying cloud, the frosty light, 

The year is dying in the night ; 
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. 

Here 's good cheer all the year 
Where friendship doth the dish endear. 

Fear not the future, weep not for the past. 

Here 's to the days that have fled ; 
Old friends, old wine, old memories. 
Drink to the joys that are dead ! 

Welcome ever smiles, 
And farewell goes out sighing. ' 

God keep thee, dear, through all the years, 
Through all the joys, the sorrows, tears 
Of life — its commonplaces, too, 
God keep thee sweet, and brave, and true. 

238 



Every Day in the Year 

Amid the doubts and fears that rise 
In every Hfe — the mysteries, 
Things that are hard to understand, 
The movings of a mystic hand, 
God keep thy reason sound and sure, 
Thy mind alert, thy heart still pure. 
God keep thee always — this I pray 
For thee, upon this New Year's Day. 

To the days of Auld Lang Syne, 
To the things we know no more. 

Years, following years, steal something every day ; 
At last they steal us from ourselves away. 

Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest. 

When you have seen a year, you have seen all — the show but re- 
commences. Check up your balance-sheet with life, not by the calendar 
but by your achievements. 

The new year brings nothing new or di£Ferent; life is reckoned not 
by the milestones of time, but by the breath of experience and growth of 
character. 

He most lives who thinks most, feels most, loves most, hopes most, 
works most, reads most, understands most. The passing of the years is 
of no account, chronologically, in the history of the human soul. The 
child is often father of the man. 



The time to make new resolutions is all the time; a new year com- 
mences with every day of our lives. 

Ring out the old, ring in the new ; 

Ring, happy bells, across the snow! 

The year is going, let him go. 
Ring out the false, ring in the true. 

May you live to love, and love to live, 
And what you get to freely give; 
But as you live each passing day. 
Don't love to give poor Time away. 

Here 's a health to the future, 

A sigh for the past; 
We can love and remember 

And love to the last. 

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He who takes good care of the days, need give himself no worry over 
the year. 

Good luck to you, my friend! 
Success attend 

The New Year through. 
Whatever you plan to do, 
Or enterprise pursue, 

Good luck, good luck to you! 

I send you my good wishes 

And speed them on their way, 
And trust that you are spending 

The happiest New Year's Day. 

FOR ST. valentine's DAY 

Here 's to the girl that 's good and sweet, 

Here 's to the girl that 's true, 
Here 's to the girl that rules my heart — 

In other words, here 's to you. 

Here 's to the prettiest, here 's to the wittiest, 
Here 's to the truest of all who are true, 

Here 's to the neatest one, here 's to the sweetest one, 
Here 's to them all in one — here 's to you. 

The world is filled with flowers, 

The flowers are filled mth dew. 
The dew is filled with love 

For you, and you, and you. 

Love is a deep well from which you may drink often, but into which 
you may fall but once. 

Good-morrow, Valentine, 

God bless you ever; 
If you '11 be true to me 
I '11 be the like to thee. 



My Valentine's an artful maiden; 

She has eyes of deepest blue. 
And whene'er I call to see her. 

She exclaims, '^Why, is it you? " 

Here 's to one that I love. 

And here 's to one who loves me, 
And here 's to all true lovers 

Wherever they may be. 
240 



Every Day in the Year 

What is the meaning of the song 

That rings so clear and loud, 
Thou nightingale amid the copse — 

Thou lark above the cloud? 
What says thy song, thou joyous thrush 

Up in the walnut tree ? 
*'I love my love because I know 

My love loves me." 

I arise from dreams of thee, 

And a spirit in my feet 
Has led me — who knows how — 

To thy chamber window, sweet. 

My heart is red, 

Your eyes are blue; 
My love for you 

Is sweet and true. 

Give me your heart 

To mate with mine; 
I '11 be your love. 

Your Valentine. 



Sing a song of love- words, a pocket full of hours. 
Four and twenty Cupids, hidden in the flowers, 
When the flowers were opened, dazzled eyes were mine. 
Was n't that a lovely sight to greet for Valentine ? 

FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 

Oh! well and bravely has he done the work he found to do, 
To justice, freedom, God, and man, his heart was ever true. 

And thus he bore without abuse 
The grand old name of gentleman. 

To Washington and his little axe, 

A toast we now demand ; 
So let 's admire who tells the truth, 

With a sharp axe in his hand. 

The boundaries of our country : East by the Rising Sun ; north by 
the North Pole ; west by all Creation ; and south, by the Day of Judg- 
ment. 

Here 's to the American Eagle : The liberty-bird that permits no 
liberties. 

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The American Eagle — The older he grows, the louder he screams 
and the higher he flies. 

To the memory of George Washington, the childless father of seventy 
millions. 

A sweeter and a lovelier gentleman 

Fram'd in the prodigality of Nature, 

Young, valiant, wise, and, no doubt, right royal , 

The spacious world cannot again afford. 

Such is the patriot's boast, where'er we roam, — 
His first, best country ever is at home. 

WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL TO HIS OFFICERS 

"With a heart full of love and gratitude I now take my leave of you, 
most devoutly wishing that your latter days may be as prosperous and 
happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable/' 

Then join in hand, brave Americans all; 
By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall. 

FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 

Come back to Erin, mavourneen, mavourneen; 
Come back again to the land of thy birth. 

The Emerald Isle — May her sons and daughters resemble a field 
of potatoes in full bloom, beautiful to look upon; and when called on 
to assist the distressed, may they, like the roots, prove a real blessing to 
the poor. 

Success attend St. Patrick's fist. 

For he 's a saint so clever ; 
Oh! he gave the snakes and toads a twist, 

He banished them forever. 



Shoots up, with dewdrops streaming. 

As softly green as emerald seen, 
Through purest crystal gleaming, 
Oh, the Shamrock, the green immortal Shamrock! 

Chosen leaf of bard and chief, 
Old Erin's native Shamrock! 



Dear Shamrock of Erin, so sacred and green, 
Though ages of sorrow thy past years have seen ; 
From childhood's bright morning to manhood's decline 
Thy leaflet we wear o'er our hearts ever thine. 

242 



Every Day in the Year 

Here 's to mavourneen and Erin-go-bragh! 
The Dutch make the beer, but I uphold the law. 
The Germans are all right in war and in peace, 
But, b'gorry! it takes the Irish to make good police. 



Ireland — St. Patrick destroyed its creeping things of other days — 
may his disciples speedily exterminate the political reptiles of the present 
age. 

Come in the evening, or come in the morning. 
Come when you are looked for, or come without warning, 
A thousand welcomes you will find here before you. 
And the oftener you come here the more I'll adore you. 

FOR APRIL: APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS 

The children with the streamlets sing 
When April stops at last her weeping; 

And every happy growing thing 

Laughs like a babe just roused from sleeping. 



Golden and snowy and red the flowers, 
Golden, snowy, and red ; in vain 

Robins call robins through sad showers, 
The white dove's feet are wet with rain. 



I love the season well 

When the forest glades are teeming with bright forms, 
Nor dark and many -folded clouds foretell 

The coming-on of storms. 



When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim 
Hath put a spirit of youth in everything. 



Well-apparelled April on the heel 
Of limping Winter treads. 



Every tear is answered by a blossom, 

Every sigh with songs and laughter blent; 

Apple blooms upon the breezes toss them, 
April knows her own, and is content. 

'T is the month before the month of May, 
And the Spring comes slowly up this way. 

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In that soft season when descending showers 
Call forth the greens, and wake the rising flowers; 
When opening buds salute the welcome day, 
And earth relenting feels the genial ray. 

*Tis Springtime on the eastern hills! 
Like torrents gush the Summer rills 
Through Winter's moss and dry dead leaves 
The bladed grass revives and lives, 
Pushes the mouldering waste away, 
And glimpses to the April day. 

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, 
Where oxhps and the nodding violet grows. 

FOR GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER 

One a penny, two a penny, 

Two a penny buns, 
One a penny, two a penny, 

Hot-cross buns. 



A carol on Easter morning, 

From the throat of a brown-winged bird ! 

A song of trust in the Father 

Who, heeding the sparrow's fall. 

Will tenderly care for all. 



Is there a heart that loves the Spring 

Their witness can refuse ? 
Yet mortals doubt when angels bring 

From Heaven their Easter news. 



May the glad dawn 
Of Easter morn 
Bring holy joy to thee ! 

May the calm eve 

Of Easter leave 

A peace divine with thee ! 

Every little buried bud 

Into life He raises; 
Every wild flower of the woods 

Chants the dear Lord's praises. 

244 



Every Day in the Year 



Chant! the Lord is risen again, 
Christ hath broken every chain. 
Hark ! AngeHc voices cry 
Singing evermore on high. 

The Easter HHes tall and slight 
With golden antlers gleaming, 

Within their waxen bosoms white 
Of holy things are dreaming, 

And stirring softly, say apart, 

"Blessed are the pure in heart.*' 

Christ is risen. 
He is risen indeed. 



Bells in the steeples, your sweetest ring ! 

Children, your chorusing voices raise ! 
Lilies, your multitude censers swing ! 

Hearts reunited, exult in praise ! 
Sing jubilates ! Faith's loyal band 
Enters the gates of the Easter-land. 

FOR MAY DAY 

Of all the daughters of the year, 

There 's none her equal, none her peer, 

Nor one so beauteous, fair, and gay 
As laughing, joyous, merry May. 

For lo! the Winter is past, 

The rain is over and gone ; 

The flowers appear on the earth ; 

The time of the singing of birds is come. 

And the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. 



The butterfly springs on its new-born wings, 

The dormouse starts from his wintry sleeping; 

The flowers of earth find a second birth, 
To light and life from darkness leaping. 

In the Spring a fuller crimson comes upon the robin's breast; 
In the Spring the wanton lapwing gets himself another crest ; 
In the Spring a livelier iris changes on the burnished dove ; 
In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love. 

Daisies pied and violets blue. 

And lady-smocks all silver-white, 
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue. 

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FOR JUNE 

Oh, my luve is like a red, red rose, 

That 's newly sprung in June ; 
Oh, my luve is like the melodie 

That 's sweetly played in tune. 

The daisies' eyes are a-twinkle 
With happy tears of dew. 

I know the way she went 

Home Tvath her maiden posy. 
For her feet have touched the meadows 

And left the daisies rosy. 



The daisy, by the shadow that it casts. 
Protects the lingering dewdrop from the sun. 

The queen of the year has come. 

Hail to thee, June! Sweet mistress mine. 



Hark! she is here — 't is the rosy-faced June 
Striking the harp to her merriest tune. 



June, brightest of the Summer months of flowers. 

With sunny smiles and shadowy tears 
The soft, young June day now appears. 

Welcome, bright June, and all its smiling hours. 
With songs of birds and stir of leaves and wings. 

What is so rare as a day in June ? 



June, bonnie June, I but love thee the more 
That, evermore smiling, thou sunshine dost bring. 

Now good-bye to the books, for our teachers shall be 
Just the hills and the trees and the glorious sea. 
In the sunshine of June who so happy as we ? 

Beautiful June ! Sunshiny June I 

The earth and the air are in perfect attune, 

Singing to welcome thee, beautiful June. 

246 



Every Day in the Year 

FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY 

The Russian — Here *s to the Stars and Bars of Russia, that were 
never pulled down. 

The Turk — Here 's to the Moon of Turkey whose wings were never 
clipped. 

The Frenchman — Here 's to the Cock of France, whose feathers 
were never picked. 

The American — Here 's to the Stars and Stripes of America, never 
trailed in defeat. 

The Englishman — Here 's to the rampin', roarin* Lion of Great 
Britain, that tore down the Stars and Bars of Russia, clipped the wings 
of Turkey, picked the feathers ofif the Cock of France, and ran like hell 
from the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America. 

To the Stars and Stripes, 
To the land of our birth. 
The American girl — 
The best things on earth. 

Our Flag — Let it rise, let it rise, till it meet the sun in his coming; 
let the earliest light of the morning gild it, and the parting day linger 
and play on its summit. 

Thy spirit, Independence, let me share, 

Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye. 
Thy steps I follow with my bosom bare. 

Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. 

'T is the star-spangled banner; 

Oh, long may it wave 
O'er the land of the free 

And the home of the brave ! 



America, half brother of the world, 

With something good and bad of every land. 

Independence now, and Independence forever. 

Thou too, sail on, O Ship of State, 
Sail on, O Union strong and great. 
Humanity with all its fears. 
With all the hopes of future years, 
Is hanging breathless on thy fate. 

Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable. 

The Fourth of July — like oysters. 
It cannot be enjoyed without crackers. 

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Here 's health to Columbia, the pride of the earth, 
The Stars and Stripes — drink the land of our birth ! 
Toast the army and navy, who fought for our cause, 
Who conquered and won us our freedom and laws. 

The Red, White, and Blue — The emblems of love, purity, and fidel- 
ity — May the symbol be as highly and as unanimously worshipped as 
the colors of our country's flag. 

QUOTATIONS FOR AN AUTUMN LUNCHEON 

God's love and peace be with thee 
Wheresoe'er this soft autumnal air 
Lifts the dark tresses of thy hair. 

Under a spreading chestnut tree 
The village smithy stands. 

Tall oaks from little acorns grow. 

Thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 

And every shepherd tells his tale 
Under the hawthorn in the dale. 



They led the vine 
To wed her elm. 



But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree. 

Under the shady roof 

Of branching elm, star proof. 

The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir. 

From haunted spring and dale, 
Edged with poplar pale. 

And variable as the shade 

By the light quivering aspen made. 

But on and up ; where Nature's heart 
Beats strong amid the hills. 

Go forth under the open sky, and list 
To Nature's teachings. 

Nature never did betray 
The heart that loved her. 

248 



Every Day in the Year 



FOR HALLOWE'EN 

Fresh-dawning Hallow-eve ! 
Sweet, new-old Hallow-eve ! 
For what thou wert, for what thou art, 
Thrice welcome, Hallow-eve ! 



O heavens, that one might read the book of fate 
And see the revolutions of the times ! 



Oh, could we lift the future's sable shroud! 

Fortune is merry. 

And in this mood will give us anything. 

'T is the sunset of life gives me mystical lore, 
And coming events cast their shadows before. 

This day we fashion Destiny, our web of Fate we spin. 
Who can answer where any road leads to ? 

There swims no goose so gray 

But soon or late 
She finds some honest gander 

For her mate. 



This is the fairy land. O spite of spites. 
We talk with goblins, owls, and elvish sprites. 

The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve. 

Hang sorrow! care will kill a cat, 
And therefore let 's be merry ! 

F'r the Gobble-uns '11 git you, ef you don't watch out. 

When the stars shoot, 
And the owls hoot. 

And bats fly in and out; 
When the fire burns blue, 
And the candle too, 

Witches are about. 



'T is now the very witching time of night. 

Frame your mind to mirth and merriment. 
Which bars a thousand harms, and lengthens life. 

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FOR THANKSGIVING 

O dear old dull November, 

They don't speak well of you; 
They say your winds are chilling, 

Your skies are seldom blue. 
What if you're dull a trifle, 

Or just a little gray ? 
If not for you we'd never have 

Dear old Thanksgiving Day. 

To our national birds — 

The American Eagle, 

The Thanksgiving Turkey : 
May one give us peace in all our States — 
And the other a piece for all our plates. 

Cheerful looks make every dish a feast. 

Small cheer and great welcome 
Makes a merry feast. 

Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many; 
not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. 

The waning year grows brown and gray and dull, 
And poets sing November, bleak and sere ; 
But from the bounteous garnered harvest store. 
With grateful hearts we draw Thanksgiving cheer. 

Not what we give, but what we share, 

For the gift without the giver is bare ; 

Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, — 

Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me. 

Here 's to the memory of the man 

Who owned the land 

That raised the corn 

That fed the goose 

That bore the quill 

That made the pen 

That wrote the Declaration of Independence. 

Our arms, your defence; 
Your arms, our recompense. 
FaU in! 

250 



Every Day in the Year 

Our opinion on the Eastern question: We agree with Russia that 
Turkey ought to be gobbled. 



The health of our venerable host: Although an American citizen, 
he is one of the best Grand Seigniors that ever presided over Turkey. 



Thanksgiving : The magnetic festival that brings back erratic wa*i- 
derers to the old folks at home. 



The Thanksgiving board : While it groans with plenty within, who 
cares for the whistling of the wind without? 



Thanksgiving : The religious and social festival that converts every 
family mansion into a family meeting-house. 



FOR CHRISTMAS 



The happy sounds of Christmas-tide 

Are heard again by all, 
Old customs of the countryside, 

With carols in the hall. 



Why do the bells of Christmas ring ? 
Why do little children sing ? 
Once a lovely shining star, 
Seen by shepherds from afar, 
Gently moved until its light 
Made a manger's cradle bright, 
There a darling baby lay, 
Pillowed soft upon the hay ; 
And its mother sung and smiled : 
*'This is Christ, the holy Child." 
Therefore bells for Christmas ring. 
Therefore little children sing. 



What shall I wish you ? 
That you drink to-day 

A draught divine. 
Of some longed-for joy, 

Life's choicest wine ? 
Nay, I will wish that 

Whate'er is best 
May come to make your 

Christmas blest. 

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At Christmas play and make good cheer, 
For Christmas comes but once a year. 

Now I am in a holiday humor. 

Be merry all, be merry all, 
With holly dress the festive hall. 
Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, 
To welcome Merry Christmas! 

Christmas bells, ringing clear, 
Bless this season of the year; 
Ringing loud, ringing low 
Over fields all white with snow; 
Ringing low, ringing loud 
Where gay flowers bloom in a crowd. 
Christmas bells everywhere 
Peace and sweet good- will declare. 

Frame your mind to mirth and merriment. 

Grandmother — Dear, near, and true — 
No truer Time himself can make you. 
Grandfather — Peace on earth to gentlemen. 
Mother — Happy we with such a mother. 
Father — His dining-room is long and wide 
Good man! Good man! 
Big Sister — And if any painter drew her, 
He would paint her unaware 
With a halo round the hair. 

Heap on more wood ! The wind is chill, 

But let it whistle as it will. 

We'll keep our Christmas merry still. 

May peace, good health, and mirth allied 
Make very bright your Christmas-tide. 

By a beautiful road our Christmas comes, 

A road full twelve months long. 
And every mile is as warm as a smile, 

And every hour is a song. 
Flower and flake and cloud and sun, 

And the winds that riot and sigh. 
Have their work to do ere the dreams come true 

And Christmas glows in the sky. 

252 



Every Day in the Year 

The holly and cedar and mistletoe, 

They thrilled when the nights were chill, 
For the maiden's glance and the madcap dance 

And the lover's foot on the sill. 
For the Christmas mirth the brave pine grew. 

Serene and straight and tall, 
The deep woods knew in their hush and dew 

When the dearest of days would fall. 



Here 's a health to every one ; 
Peace on earth, and heaven won. 



FOR FRIENDSHIP 



So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others I 
would almost say that we are indispensable; and no man is useless 
while he has a friend. 



You must come home with me and be my guest; 
You will give joy to me, and I will do 
All that is in my power to honor you. 



A long life and a happy one; 
A good business and a successful one; 
A firm friend and a faithful one ; 
A swift death and a peaceful one ; 
And God's face bevond. 



May friendship, like wine, improve as time advances, 

And may we always have old wine, old friends, and young cares. 



Keep thy friend 

Under thy own life's key. 

Friendship is a sheltering tree. 

I would be friends with you and have your love. 

Here 's to our friends, whom we like to be free with us 
In the way of advice (if their counsels agree with us). 

A friend is worth all hazards we can run. 



Friendship — It improves happiness and abates misery by the 
doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief. 

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FOR THE NEW HOME 

Hail, guest ! We ask not what thou art : 
If friend, we greet thee, hand and heart; 
If stranger, such no longer be ; 
If foe, our love shall conquer thee. 

East or west, home is best. 



A man's home is his castle. 



Home is the resort of love, of joy, of peace. 

Our house is ever at your service. 

The ornament of a house is the guests who frequent it. 

FOR THE FAMILY LIVING-ROOM 

Oh, ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord. 
God has given us this ease. 
Seek thine own ease. 
No place is more delightful than one's own fireside. 

To be honest, to be kind, to earn a Httle and to spend a little less, 
to make upon the whole the family happier for his presence, to renounce 
when that shall be necessary and not be embittered, to keep a few friends, 
but these without capitulation; above all, on the same grim condition to 
keep friends with himself. 

FOR THE LIBRARY 

Old wood to burn, 
Old friends to trust, 
Old authors to read. 

There is an art of reading. 
The monuments of vanished minds. 



Infinite riches in a little room. 

FOR THE NURSERY 

God rest ye, little children. 
A child in the house is a well-spring of pleasure. 

FOR THE MUSIC ROOM 

The hidden soul of harmony. 
254 



Every Day in the Year 

Music, the speech of the angels. 

Of all the arts, great music is the art 

To raise the soul above all earthly storms. 

FOR THE BEDCHAMBER 

Morning Prayer — The day returns and brings us the petty 
round of irritating concerns and duties: Help us to play the man, 
help us to perform them with laughter and kind faces; let cheerfulness 
abound with industry. Give us to go blithely on our business all the 
day ; bring us to our resting beds weary and content and undishonored ; 
and grant us in the end the gift of sleep. 

Evening Prayer — We beseech Thee, Lord, to behold us with favor. 
Be patient still; suffer us a while longer to endure, and, if it may be, help 
us to do better. Bless to us our extraordinary mercies. Be with our 
friends; be with ourselves. Go with each of us to rest; if any awake, 
temper to them the dark hours of watching; and when the day returns 
to us, call us up with morning faces and with morning hearts — eager to 
labor; eager to be happy, if happiness shall be our portion; and if the 
day be marked for sorrow, strong to endure it. 

Now I lay me down to sleep ; 
I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep. 
Thy love be with me through the night, 
And bless me with the morning light. 



Rose dreamed she was a lily; 

Lily dreamed she was a rose ; 
Robin dreamed he was a sparrow; 

What the owl dreamed goodness knows. 
But they all woke up together 

As happy as could be. 
Said each one. *' You're lovely, neighbor; 

But I'm very glad I'm me." 

Sleep sweet within this quiet room, 

O thou, whoe'er thou art. 
Nor let no mournful yesterday 

Disturb thy quiet heart. 

Nor let to-morrow scare thy rest 

With dreams of coming ill; 
Thy Maker is thy changeless Friend, 

His love surrounds thee still. 



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Forget thyself and all the world, 

Put out each feverish light, 
The stars are shining overhead; 

Sleep sweet ! Good-night, good-night ! 

And so I find it well to come 

For deeper rest to this still room ; 

For here the habit of the soul 

Feels less the outer world's control, 

And from the silence, multiplied 

By these still forms on every side, 

The world that time and sense has known 

Falls off and leaves us, God, alone. 

OVER THE FRONT DOOR 

Farewell goes out sighing, 
Welcome ever smiles. 

OVER A HALL FIREPLACE 

The Lord keep thee in thy going out and coming in ! 

Be kind to every mortal, 

But yet select a few 
To bear the name of friendship 

And tread the road with you. 

And you will find that living 

Is not a dreary bore, 
And life has many blessings 

You did not know before. 



Home-keeping hearts are the happiest, 

Hear no evil; see no evil; speak no evil. 

The world is so full of a number of things 
I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings. 

Home is the resort 
Of love, of joy, of peace and plenty ; where. 
Supporting and supported, polished friends 
And dear relations mingle into bliss. 

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave 
There are souls that are pure and true. 

Then give to the world the best you have, 
And the best shall come back to you. 

256 



Every Day in the Ye a r 

Give love, and love to your heart will flow, 

A strength in your utmost need ; 
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show 

Their faith in your word and deed. 

For life is the mirror of king and slave. 

'T is just what you are and do; 
Then give to the world the best you have 

And the best will come back to you. 

^ In the effort to appreciate various forms of greatness, let us not under- 
estimate the value of a simply good life. Just to be good : to keep life 
pure from degrading elements, to make it constantly helpful in little ways 
to those who are touched by it, to keep one's spirit always sweet, and 
avoid all manner of petty anger and irritability — that is an ideal as noble 
as It IS diflScult. 

It may be proved, with much certainty, that God intends no man to 
live m this world without working, but it seems no less evident that he 
intends every man to be happy in his work. It was written: ''By the 
sweat of thy brow,'* but it was never written: *'By the breaking of thv 
heart." ^ ^ 

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I 
can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let'me do 
It now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. 

Something to do. 
Some one to love. 
Something to hope for. 



We may laugh and jest. 
With a pleasant zest. 

To the fellow we meet each day, 
But we cruelly test. 
The friend loved best. 

By the words we never say. 

A wife congenial to the soul, 

A little cash to pay for coal, 

A book, a pipe, a fire warm, 

A little house to 'scape the storm. 

And trust that when at last we die 

We reap our sowing — now good-bye. 

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Novel Entertainments for 

Here *s a motto just your fit, 

Laugh a little bit. 

When you think youVe trouble hit. 

Laugh a little bit. 

Look misfortune in the face, 

Brave the beldam's rude grimace; 
Ten to one 't will yield its place 
If you have the wit and grit 
Just to laugh a little bit. 

Cherish this as sacred writ, 

Laugh a little bit. 

Keep it with you, sample it, 

Laugh a little bit. 

Little ills will sure betide you, 

Fortune may not sit beside you, 

Men may knock and fame deride you, 

But you'll mind them not a whit 

If you laugh a Httle bit. 

FOR THE -B^lDE ELECT 

Here 's to Love, a thing so divine. 

Description makes it but the less. 
'T is what we feel but cannot define, 

'T is what we know but cannot express. 



Two people that we know are going to be married. 

There 's not a joy in all the world you will not find within her. 



To know her was to love her. 



Whatever things be sweet or fair. 
Love made them so. 



And in that twilight hush, God drew their hearts 
Indissolubly close. For what is love 
But his most perfect weaving ? 

May flowers deck your way, sweet, 
And friends hold close and fast; 

May the future be so bright, sweet, 
You may never think of the past. 

258 



Every Day in the Year 

Here 's a health to the future, 

A sigh for the past, 
We can love and remember 

And love to the last. 



A good wife and health 
Are a man's best wealth. 



What 's a table richly spread 
Without a woman at its head? 



A perfect woman, nobly planned. 
To warn, to comfort, and command. 

FOR DINNERS AND MENU CARDS 

Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere. 

They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 
Quaff immortality and joy. 

A night we'll feast together. 



Bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your heart. 
Now, good digestion wait on appetite and health on both. 
Sit down and feed, and welcome to our table. 



Let them be welcome then; we are prepared. 

A good digestion to you all ; and once more I shower a welcome on 
ye; welcome all. 

I am glad to see you; much good it do your heart. 
Better cheer may you have, but not with better heart. 
Good sister, let us dine and never fret. 

FOR BRIDAL DINNERS 

To a newly married host: We drink to the undying happiness of 
our host, the luckiest man in all the world. May he always know the 
bliss of a lover and never the cares of a husband; may his wedded 
state be an endless love story without a prosaic passage ; may life now be 
a poem, a song, a jubilate, with never a dirge between its mom and its 
midnight. A long life to him ! And may the happiness of the one who 
brings all these good things into his life be forever unclouded. 

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Drink, my jolly lads, drink with discerning. 
Wedlock 's a lane where there is no turning. 
Never was owl more blind than a lover, 
Drink and be merry, lads, half-seas over. 

Here 's to the heart, though another's it be; 

Here 's to the cheeks, though they bloom not for me. 

For the bride's card : — The heart of her husband doth safely trust 
in her. 



For the bridegroom : — 'T is a lucky day, boy. 

TOASTS FOR THE BRIDAL DINNER 

Drink a toast to Cupid and to his captive trains. 

May he ne'er desert them, nor break their golden chains. 

Around the bride's unclouded brow 

The orange wreath we twine. 
And drink her health as low we bow 

In sacramental wine. 



Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, 
Or bends with the remover to remove. 



I take you as a gift that God has given ; 
And I love you. 

And all hearts do pray God love her, 
Aye and always, in good sooth. 
We may all be sure he doth. 

Here 's to the man with his heart in his hand 
And the woman who will not resign. 

Who sticks to her hero on sea or on land, 
Loves honor and flowers and wine. 



May life's cloudless sunshine lighten, 

All your coming days, 
And contentment bless and brighten, 

All your future ways. 

FOR A MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT 

The music in my heart I bore 
Long after it was heard no more. 

?6o 



Every Day in the Year 

Music as an accomplishment refines and enhances the social life, by 
elevating and sustaining the emotional nature. 

Here will we sit and let the sound of music 
Creep in our ears. 

The whispering air 

Sends inspirations from the mountain heights. 

Of all the arts beneath the heaven 
That man has found or God has given, 
None draws the soul so sweet away 
As music's melting, mystic lay. 

Melody is the life-blood of music. 



A poet's work consists in what he leaves to the imagination. 

Hush! the clear song wells forth ; now flows along 
Music, as if poured artless from the breast; 
Deep, strong, it seizes on the swelling heart. 
Scorning what knows not to call down the tear. 

And the night shall be filled with music. 

And the cares that infest the day 
Shall fold their tents like the Arabs, 

And as silently steal away. 

To the true artist music should be a necessity, and not an occupa- 
tion; he should not manufacture music, he should live in it. 

The finest taste. 
The deepest feeling, 
The most delicate ear. 
An excellent musician. 

FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS 

May you never grow older, may each year hence be subtracted from 
your age now, and so keep you on the sunny side until the end of time. 

At your age .... you should be careful. 

May you grow younger each birthday. 

A drink to the man who has gained a year to-day, a man of worth. 

May you enter heaven late. 

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Novel Entertainments for 



Show us how divine a thing 
A woman may be made. 

Gentle and true, simple and kind was she, 
Noble of mien, with gracious speech to all. 

The mildest manners, and the gentlest heart. 

True to the kindred points of heaven and home. 

The sweetest garland to the sweetest maid. 

She is pretty to walk with. 
And witty to talk with. 

She moves a goddess and she looks a queen. 

Ah, you flavor everything; you are the vanilla of society. 

Her voice was ever soft. 

Gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman. 

Mistress of herself though china fall. 

She was a phantom of delight. 

Be to her virtues very kind ; 
Be to her faults a little blind. 



Blessings be about you, dear, wherever you may go. 

The ''favorite stream'* is the stream we tell about. We fish in 
another one. 

Never weigh the big fish story — the scales may be found wanting. 

A wise plan, like salt salmon, should soak a good while. 

Let the world slide, let the world go, 
A fig for care and a fig for woe. 

Gold that buys health can never be ill spent 
Nor hours laid out in harmless merriment. 

Thy eternal summer shall not fade. 

Be wise ; 

Soar not too high to fall, but stoop to rise. 

Of all sad words of tongue or pen, 

The saddest are these — it might have been. 

262 



Every Day in the Year 

Be not the first by whom the new is tried, 
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside. 

Honor and shame from no condition rise ; 
Act well yom* part ; there all the honor lies. 

The mouse that always trusts to one poor hole 
Can never be a mouse of any soul. 

'T is education forms the common mind ; 
Just as the twig is bent the tree 's inclined. 

There is a tide in the affairs of men 

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. 



There 's a divinity that shapes our ends, 
Rough-hew them how we will. 

The evil that men do lives after them : 
The good is oft interred with their bones. 

Go to the ant, thou sluggard ; learn to live, 
And by his ways reform thine own. 

At thirty man suspects himself a fool; 
Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan. 

You Ve each made your toast 

To the one you love most; 
You've filled up your bumpers together; 

You've sworn love anew 

And you've vowed to be true 
And merry in all kinds of weather. 

But I now take the floor 

To pledge you one more. 
You'll drink it, I'm sure, if no other. 

Then fill up the glass 

And let the toast pass, 
I drink to the health of my mother. 

An excellent man, for is not a man judged by the company he keeps ? 

A truer, nobler, trustier heart. 

More loving or more loyal, never beat 

Within a human breast. 



To those who know thee not, no words can paint ! 
And those who know thee, know all words are faint ! 

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Novel Entertainments for 



Have a heart with room for every joy. 

O, why has happiness so short a day ? 

'T is pleasant through the loopholes of retreat 
To peep at such a world; to see the stir 
Of the Great Babel and not feel the crowd. 

Here 's a toast to all who are here, 

No matter where you're from: 
May the best day you have seen 

Be worse than your worst to come. 

Woman — The fairest work in all creation. The edition is large, and 
no man should be without a copy. 

If man has won fame in this world, 

A woman helped him win it; 
If you will look up all the facts 

You'll find a woman in it. 



Babies — We have n't all had the good fortune to be ladies; we have 
not all been generals, or poets, or statesmen ; but when the toast works 
down to the babies, we stand on common ground — for we 've all been 
babies. 

For a little Woman : 

And as within the little rose you find the richest dyes, 
And in the little grain of gold much price and value lies. 
As from a little balsam much odor doth arise, 
So in a little woman there 's a taste of Paradise. 



A peppercorn is very small, but seasons every dinner 

More than all other condiments, although 't is sprinkled thinner; 

Just so a little woman is, if Love will let you win her. 

Have communion with few, be familiar with one, 
Deal justly with all, speak evil of none. 

It 's easy enough to be pleasant 

When life flows along like a song; 
But the man worth while is the man with a smile 

When everything goes dead wrong. 

Here is your goot healdth und your family's goot healdth, und may 
you all live long und brosper. 

Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night. 

264 



Every Day in the Year 

Here 's to woman, the source of all our bliss. 
There 's a foretaste of heaven for us in her kiss ; 
But from queen on her throne to maid in her dairy, 
They *re all alike in one respect — contrary. 

Who comes to eat of salt with you 
Gets many a lump of sweetness too. 

Let to-morrow take care of to-morrow. 
Leave things of the future to Fate, 
Never trouble trouble, till trouble troubles you, 
For trouble never comes too late. 



May this be our doctrine wherever we're twirled, 
A fig for the cares of this whirligig world. 

Here 's to those I love; 

Here 's to those who love me; 
Here 's to those who love those I love ; 

And here 's to those who love those who love me. 

He builded better than he knew. 



A good dinner is better than a fine coat. 

Sit down to that nourishment which is called supper. 

To thee and thy company I bid a hearty welcome. 

No man can be wise on an empty stomach. 

Oh, he was all made up of love and charms. 
Whatever maid could wish or man admire. 

He had then the grace too rare in every clime 
Of being, without alloy of fop or beau, 
A finished gentleman from top to toe. 

His years but young, but his experience old; 
His head unmellowed, but his judgment ripe; 

And in a word, . . . 
He is complete in feature and in mind, 
With all good grace to grace a gentleman. 

He is very great in knowledge. 

Oh, traveller, who hast wandered far, 
Neath southern sun and northern star, 
Say where the fairest regions are. 

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Novel Entertainments for 



To me and you when skies are blue, 
To you and me when tempests be, 
To both together in every weather. 

Here 's to our sweethearts and our wives ! 
May our wives ever be our sweethearts, 
And our sweethearts be our wives. 



As we meet upon the level, may we part upon the square. 

May the happiest days of our past 
Be the saddest days of our future. 

Too full of love my soul is to find place 
For fear or anger. 

It is n't the thing you do, dear. 

It 's the thing you leave undone. 
Which gives you a bit of a heartache 

At the setting of the sun. 

Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet. 
A gift with a kind word is a double gift. 

APPROPRIATE SENTIMENTS TO SEND WITH VARIOUS GIFTS 

To send with any gift : 

Take — I give it willingly. 

The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious. 

Good wishes go with this, 
And love, packed in a kiss. 

Consider not the gift of the lover, but the love of the giver. 

To send with two spoons as a silver wedding present: 

Sweet friends of mine, be spoons once more, 

And with your tender cooing 
Renew the keen delights of yore, 

The rapturous bliss of wooing. 

To go with a bunch of pansies : 

/ For these pansies, send me back a thought. 
To send with a work-basket : 

Industry can do any thing which genius can do, and very many 
things which it cannot. 

266 



Every Day in the Year 

To go with a wedding gift : 

Oh, lovely day, refuse to go — 
Hang in the heavens forever so. 



The guardian angel o'er his life presiding, 
DoubHng pleasures and cares dividing. 

To go with a wedding ring : 

God saw thee most fit for me. 

To send with a box of flowers to a debutante : 

The sweetest garland to the sweetest maid. 

To go with a box of candy : 

Sweets to the sweet. 

To go with an umbrella : 

Open me and raise me high ; 
And in damp weather keep me nigh; 
Or, even when the sun shines bright, 
I'll keep its rays from you all right. 

To go with a pair of gloves as a valentine : 

A little hand, a soft white hand, 
A hand I know 't is thine 
These gloves will fit: So may I ask 
That gloves and hand be mine ? 

To send with a brooch at Christmas time : 

I'll hold your tie, or ribbon bow ; 

I'll help in any way I know 

On breast or belt or neck; I'll stay 

And stick there tight, this Christmas Day. 

To send with a pen-wiper : 

Oh, when in distant lands thou art 
(The time will come when we must part 
And rivers roll 'tween me and thee). 
Perchance thou' It write a line to me. 
Your letter being finished, then 
Here *s wherewithal to wipe your pen. 

To go with a purse : 

May your purse be heavy and your heart light. 

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Novel Entertainments for 

To go with a cup and saucer : 

When out of this cup you are drinking your tea, 
Perchance you will then think kindly of me. 

To send with a humorous book : 

A little nonsense now and then 
Is relished by the wisest men. 

To send with a mirror : 

In this glass may you see smiles. 

To go to a sweetheart with a book : 

A book of verses underneath the bough, 
A jug of wine, a loaf of bread — and thou 
Beside me singing in the wilderness — 
Oh, wilderness were paradise enow. 

To send with a bottle of wine : 

One sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight. 

To go with a steamer letter : 

When thou art at Rome, do as they do at Rome. 

To put on a musical programme : 

If you love music, hear it. 

To send with a birthday gift : 

As this auspicious day began the race 
Of every virtue joined with every grace ; 
May you, who own them, welcome its return, 
Till excellence like yours again is born. 

To send with a heart-shaped locket : 

My heart is as true as steel. 

To go with a gift to a singer : 

In song he never had his peer. 

To go with a volume of poems : 

Wise poets that wrap truth in tales. 
268 



Every Day in the Year 



With a book : 

I thought to myself I would offer this book to you, 
This, and my love together. 



This little paper traveller goes forth to your door, charged with 
tender greetings. Pray you, take him in. He comes from a house 
where you are well-beloved. 

With a piece of one's own work: 

Alone I did it. 



For the joy in their making 
Take them, O fond and true, 

And for his sake who made them 
Let them be dear to you. 

With a watercolor : 

A pleasure that can never pall, 

A serene moment deftly caught and kept 

To make immortal summer on your wall. 

Jingles to go with a knitted shawl or head wrap 

When you to a party go. 

Wrap this round your shoulders, O. 



This little shawl was knit for you. 
By one who loves you fond and true. 



This dainty trifle, soft and white. 
Is to protect you late at night. 



THE END 



269 



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